Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 5, 2022
Submitted:
December 5, 2022
Zone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley Mtns
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Sunrise (Elkhorn)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Observations

The snowpack here was relatively unsupported, with pole plants and skis occasionally plunging a couple feet down towards the sagebrush while skinning. I observed some fresh surface hoar while skinning up the ridge (small crystals). Higher up on the ridge where there had been some wind effect from yesterday's storm, cracking and collapsing became more common. I avoided avalanche terrain.

Media

Public Field Report: Sunrise (Elkhorn)
Public Field Report: Sunrise (Elkhorn)