Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 4, 2022
Submitted:
December 4, 2022
Zone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley Mtns
Activity:
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Location:
Juniper road

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Isolated
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
Yes, Widespread

Observations

We kept to low angle low risk areas and dug a series of handpits while out snowshoeing. All northerly slopes that held early snow exhibited whumphing and cracking

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Persistent Slab
Comments: 
Approximately 15cm facets at the base of the snowpack with 40-50 cm snow above.
We observed widespread whumphing occurring roughly every 20 steps and small cracking (1-3 meters each time)