Public Field Report
Observation Details
Observation Date:
February 29, 2020Submitted:
February 29, 2020Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern MtnsActivity:
Skiing/SnowboardingLocation:
Saviers PeakTriggered Avalanches
Did you trigger any avalanches?
YesWas it intentional?
YesAvalanche Type:
Soft SlabSize:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to peopleElevation:
10,400Aspect:
NEComments:
A small wind slab ripped out on a ski cut at top of the main NE couloir off of Saviers Peak. The wind was blowing very hard, and the wind slab was likely recently deposited; it was soft and thin (3-6"). On our ascent, we noticed significant wind loading from the westerly winds.Signs of Unstable Snow
Observations
We toured out Owl Creek to Saviers Peak via the east ridge. The snow was incredibly variable at all elevations. Good skiing was only found on terrain sheltered from the sun AND wind. Alpine terrain is almost entirely wind and/or sun affected. We thought protected couloirs may hold good snow, but we were wrong. I estimated about 2" of new snowfall fell throughout the day, and there was steady wind loading occurring all day. We found a small wind slab on our chosen descent and would expect that hazard to be on other leeward slopes.
We felt safe traveling below and through avalanche terrain, but stayed alert for new wind slabs. There was evidence of rollerballs and possible cornice collapses from the previous day when it was warmer. There is good skiing out there but it's finicky to find. We were happy with our decision to not bootpack up a north aspect, which would have guaranteed wallowing in bottomless facets.
Media
