Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 4, 2020
Submitted:
January 4, 2020
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Avalanche Peak

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Dug a pit off the SE ridge heading up to Avalanche Peak on a shaded NE aspect at 8800'. 120 cm total depth with approx. 5 cm of new snow from today's quick-hitter storm. The 12/7 SH layer was clearly visible in the snow pit 40 cm above the base of the snowpack. 30 cm of large, faceted grains at the bottom of the pit. ECTP25 on the 12/7 SH layer. It took a lot of effort to get it to break, but when it did, it propagated very cleanly along that layer and slid the top ~80 cm of the snowpack. Wouldn't want to roll the dice on triggering a meaty slab like that...