Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
March 8, 2023Submitted:
March 8, 2023Observer:
SAC - DavisZone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern MtnsLocation:
Titus Ridge (8,700'-9,600', W-S-E)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
IsolatedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
FairConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
SteadyBottom Line
There was enough new snow and wind to create a fresh batch of small wind slabs at upper elevation and possibly some very isolated terrain at middle elevation. Weak snow, facets + crusts on sunny slopes and facets on shady slopes underlie snowfall in March. This structure could easily be missed (or forgotten) thanks to the ample low density powder at the surface.
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly CloudyTemperature:
Low Teens FWind:
Light , SENew/Recent Snowfall:
~8 cm overnightIt snowed lightly through diffuse sunshine. Snow accumulations were <2 cm by noon. Breaks in the clouds were more frequent near midday. There was very little obvious evidence of overnight wind (no drifting along the highway, snow still in trees) until I encountered small slabs along ridgelines. There is copious amounts of snow left to blow around.
Snowpack Observations
This was a fast mission to check in on snow totals and wind affect. The quick hand pits I dug revealed a ~45-50 cm slab on shadier slopes that overlies 2-3 mm FC. The slab thinned and one or more crusts were present on steeper, sunnier slopes.
In one location (SE @ 9,300') the overall snowpack depth was only about a meter (wind scour and sun exposure) and the snowpack was essentially a thin slab over crusts and advanced FC to the ground. Very ugly. A similar thin snowpack produced a small collapse at the top of the "First Bump".
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 30-60 cm Weak Layer(s): Feb 26, 2023 (FCsf) Feb 18, 2023 (FCsf) |
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Wind Slab
|
|
Comments: I observed cracking in 4-8" thick fresh wind slabs at the middle-to-upper elevation transition along Titus Ridge. This area experienced moderate S and SE wind last night. I assume this would produce some 1' thick sensitive drifts in favorable terrain. |
Terrain Use
I avoided avalanche terrain.