Public Field Report

Observation Date:

April 2, 2023

Submitted:

April 2, 2023

Zone or Region:

Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns

Activity:

Skiing/Snowboarding

Location:

Big black dome

Did you observe any avalanches?

Yes

Avalanche Type:

Hard Slab

Size:

Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person

Elevation:

9500-11000

Aspect:

Comments:

Observed numerous D2-3 natural wind slab avalanches that most likely released since the W loading event last night (evening of April 1)

Did you see shooting cracks?

Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing?

Yes, Widespread

Todays tour had Broken sky with moderate SW (mostly) winds. We avoided Avy terrain and skied mostly E aspects consisting of boiler plate wind board and some sheltered powder. Great day!

This impressive deep persistent slab avalanche released naturally on April 1st in alpine terrain in the Pioneer Mtns (NE-E-SE, 10,900) in the Left Fork of Fall Ck drainage. Notice the height of the crown in relation to the trees. Photo: Tristan Pettigrew

This wind slab avalanche released naturally on April 1st in the Left Fork of Fall Ck in the Pioneer Mtns (NE 10800'). Note the wind dunes and ripples on the bed surface of the slide. Tristan Pettigrew photo.