Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 23, 2020
Submitted:
January 24, 2020
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Mushroom Ridge

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

We hiked up and skied directly down the ridge along the skin track. Very crusty surface (yikes for knees!). Dug hand pit on W face along ridge with a reactive slab above large facets on the ground. Wind slabs on E face. Rated as moderate but our guts say be conservative.

Media

Wind loaded E face along Mushroom Ridge 201223

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
Small cornices and wind-loading on E facing slopes / ridge where skin track opens out of trees ~8800’. Estimated D1 unless stepped down to pwl. Easy to kick off cornices ~ 1 foot or less.