Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 3, 2023 - March 3, 2023
Submitted:
March 4, 2023
Observer:
SAC - Bret Rasmussen
Zone or Region:
Island Park
Location:
Yale Creek (NorthEast)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
The top 20 inches of storm snow is biggest concern especially where wind loading has occurred.

Snow Stability

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

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Partly Cloudy
Temperature:
-12c
Wind:
Light , S
New/Recent Snowfall:
Over 20 inches of new snow has collected during the previous 4 days. Additionally we have accumulated new snow during 12 of the last 13 days.

Upwards of 20 inches of snow is available for transport. Light winds can move a large amount of snow. More snow is scheduled for most of the next week.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
1 Yale Creek, head of, right fork
NE 9000 		D1 WS I-New/Old Interface 3' N-Natural
u-Unintentional 		Crown located under cornice, heavily wind loaded slope. Likely occurred early morning of 3 March 2023. None

I only found one avalanche during today's tour, but our route was cut short just when we were going into the best terrain for avalanche activity because of travelling conditions became so difficult.

Snowpack Observations

I saw some failures with my CT, but the extended column test scored an ECTX. The storm snow from the previous 48 hours has become my biggest concern with plenty of snow available for transport. Many large and deep soft wind drifts were encountered throughout the day.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Wind Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
Dry Loose
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
Persistent Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Comments: No test failures observed.

My biggest concern is in the additional weight added to the snowpack incrementally most days during the last two weeks. With the available snow for transport and heavily wind loaded slopes our mountain terrain has become very hazardous on any slope steeper than 30 degrees.

Terrain Use

All terrain above 30 degrees has been closed. We stayed on shallow slopes the whole day and were very aware of surroundings at all times. This is not the time to explore unknown terrain only to find yourself in a dangerous situation.