Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 24, 2023
Submitted:
February 25, 2023
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Durrance Peak

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Observations

We toured around the SE-E side of Durrance peak and observed 3-5'' of fresh snow sitting on top of a thin sun crust layer forming a somewhat consolidated storm slab. This crust is easily broken at a higher elevation or in areas with more snow loading. At lower elevations towards SE, we experienced heavy dense sun-baked snow and saw lots of roller balls in steep terrain. We saw some signs of wind-affected snow at the ridge top.

Media

Public Field Report: Durrance Peak