Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 4, 2021
Submitted:
January 4, 2021
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Galena Range

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Widespread
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
Yes, Isolated

Observations

Early morning conditions around 10:00am, weather was still mostly clear. Early signs of the storm developed around 11:00am starting S-1 increasing to a S1 @ 11:55 staying consistent throughout our tour which ended at 4:20pm. Early signs of wind slab development observed at 2:20pm, ripples were seen on snowpack with widespread cracking observed.

Media

Public Field Report: Galena Range
Public Field Report: Galena Range
Public Field Report: Galena Range
Public Field Report: Galena Range

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
Light winds developing to moderate throughout the day. Strong intermittent gusts throughout the day. Moderate blowing snow adding to the early development of the slab, (S1).
Observed Avalanche Problem #2: 
Deep Persistent Slab
Comments: