Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 29, 2021
Submitted:
December 29, 2021
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Camp Ck Area

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Observations

High overcast skies with light precipitation and variable (swirling) winds.

Test Pit: 8720' elevation, WSW aspect, mid 20's slope, HS130cm, Shovel shear produced slight break at 110cm (lull between recent storms?), CT19 @ basal facets (not top of 12/11 PWL) Q3, ECTP24 SC @ 12/11 Layer Q1. Experienced an isolated whump as we filled in the test pit.

Avoided PWL hazard by sticking to slopes below 30 degrees on all aspects. Great powder skiing on a cold day!

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Persistent Slab
Comments: