Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 9, 2023
Submitted:
January 11, 2023
Observer:
SAC - VandenBos (off duty)
Zone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley Mtns
Location:
Warm Springs Creek Drainage (6,300-8,600', E-NE-N-NW)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
Isolated
Cracking and collapsing in areas where the wind was working on the new snow.

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Fair
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Worsening

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

New/Recent Snowfall:
15-20cm HN24, 35cm since 1/5

Snowing S1 to S3 throughout the duration of afternoon/evening tour. Temps on the warm side, but all precip falling as snow.

Avalanche Observations

I did not observe any avalanches, but I couldn't really see much of anything.

Snowpack Observations

I chose sheltered terrain for ski quality. As soon as I entered wind-affected terrain I began to experience cracking in the new snow and had two muffled collapses that may have involved older drifts? Hard to say. I suspect it would have been pretty hazardous in wind-affected terrain at all elevations today. Ski quality was good in sheltered terrain.