Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 17, 2020
Submitted:
January 18, 2020
Zone or Region:
Banner Summit
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Copper

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Observations

It was sunny off and on during the day. Wind was light to moderate. Wind was transporting snow on to the North and Northeastern aspects. We had some small isolated settling while touring. Did snow quick hand pits on SW aspects around 8000 and 8400 ft. Was a stiffer slab 10-14” thick sitting on top of snow lower density snow. As the wind continues to blow I feel that this slab will get even stiffer and will be another layer to watch for. The wind also over this last week had pretty much it everywhere even mid elevations in the trees.
Still very cautious on skiing slope sections. Staying away from avalanche terrain.