Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
April 13, 2023
Submitted:
April 13, 2023
Observer:
SAC - Davis
Zone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley Mtns
Location:
Lamb's Gulch (Off Duty) (All aspects, 5,400'-6,600')

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
Isolated
Isolated, ski-width cracking along a ridge where surface crusts broke into facets.

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Very Good
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

There was no avalanche hazard here. I could envision some minor wet loose avalanche problems arising by the end of the day on very steep slopes where the snowpack is less than about 2' thick.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Cloudy
Wind:
Light , W
New/Recent Snowfall:
HN = 1 cm

Light snow showers deposited about 1 cm of snow between 9 AM and 10 AM. Skies cleared to partly cloudy shortly after.

Snowpack Observations

Surface crusts were firm and supportable on all aspects and elevations, softening on S aspects to allow for decent edging by 11 AM. Crusts were stiff and thick enough in most locations that I could not slam the handle end of a pole through them. Old facets beneath the one crust I broke through had drained and were mostly dry.

Avalanche Problems

No avalanche problems.

Terrain Use

I skied avalanche terrain.