Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 5, 2023
Submitted:
January 5, 2023
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Coyote Yurt- East fork of Baker Creek

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
No
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
Yes, Isolated

Observations

No group travel today, was a beacon/ snow test and observation practice day. NVU AIARE II course. Multiple pits dug on all aspects except North and Northwest near tree line (at coyote yurt) on 10° slopes.

Test results yielded consistent failure as previously stated.

Roughly 4cm of precipitation observed.

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Persistent Slab
Comments: 
12/9 weak layer observed and tested. Consistent observations in multiple pit locations of initiation in small column test on 12/19 layer. 11/27 layer did not react in formal tests, however failed in destructive testing- A.K.A. Hulk Smash.