Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 12, 2023
Submitted:
January 12, 2023
Observer:
SAC - Jon Preuss
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Gov. Punch Bowl/Camp Creek (All aspects, 7600-8800')

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
Isolated
Felt 2 large collapses on South facing slopes. See Snowpack Observations.

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Fair
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

The main objective was to visually confirm which weak layers the two skier-triggered avalanches failed on. Both of those avalanches failed on the new/old layer (1/5) buried 12-16 inches deep. The new/old layer is made up of various types of facets, surface hoar, and crusts. The weather built another layer of complexity in our snowpack.

Media/Attachments

Crown profile of the possibly remote triggered avalanche in Camp Creek (near the "Anti-Cross"). The weak layer involves buried surface hoar on a NW slope at 8,700'.
Possible remote triggered avalanche by adjacent ski party. Avalanche debris was deep enough to bury a person.
Crown profile of the potentially skier triggered avalanche near Governors Punch Bowl. The slab was 1.5 feet thick and failed on a thin layer of facets above a crust.
Potentially skier triggered avalanche on the left side. The party possibly remote triggered the avalanche on the right. Based on the crown depths, both seemed to have failed on the same weak layer.
A small, likely skier-triggered avalanche near Galena Pass. Two sets of ski tracks were observed near the crown. The avalanche released on a thin layer of facets sitting atop a crust. NE aspect at 8,800'.
Snow pit in the Gov. Punch Bowl on a South slope at 8,600'. Before digging in this location, I experience two large collapses.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Wind:
Light , W
New/Recent Snowfall:
HN: Trace, HST: 35-40cm

Mostly cloudy for the majority of the day. Snow started to fall around 1300hrs with S-1 rates until 1700.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
1 Jan 10, 2023
(+/- 1 day) 		Camp Creek (near the "Anti-Cross")
NW 8700ft 		D1 SS-Soft Slab I-New/Old Interface 1ft AS-Skier
Crown profile of the possibly remote triggered avalanche in Camp Creek (near the "Anti-Cross"). The weak layer involves buried surface hoar on a NW slope at 8,700'.
Report
2 Jan 11, 2023
(+/- 1 day) 		Governors Punch Bowl
NE 8800ft 		D1 SS-Soft Slab I-New/Old Interface 1.5ft AS-Skier
A small, likely skier-triggered avalanche near Galena Pass. Two sets of ski tracks were observed near the crown. The avalanche released on a thin layer of facets sitting atop a crust. NE aspect at 8,800'.
Potentially skier triggered avalanche on the left side. The party possibly remote triggered the avalanche on the right. Based on the crown depths, both seemed to have failed on the same weak layer.
Crown profile of the potentially skier triggered avalanche near Governors Punch Bowl. The slab was 1.5 feet thick and failed on a thin layer of facets above a crust.
Possible remote triggered avalanche by adjacent ski party. Avalanche debris was deep enough to bury a person.
Report
Camp Creek (near the "Anti-Cross")
Governors Punch Bowl

Gov. Punch Bowl Skier Trigger:
There were two avalanches (refer to Avalanche Database) involved in this location. One was possibly skier-triggered with ski tracks leading into the crown. The avalanche failed on a thin layer of facets on top of a crust. It is possible that the party remotely triggered another avalanche about 100' away. Both of the crowns appear to be the same depth, so it is likely they failed on the same weak layer.

Camp Creek (near the "Anti-Cross") Remote Trigger:
Ski tracks left from a steep rock outcropping and were within 10' of a soft slab. It was about 40' wide and didn't travel very far (~50'). The avalanche failed on a weak layer of buried surface hoar (2-3mm) down 32cm (1/5).

Snowpack Observations

As I was traveling across a south slope, I experienced two large collapses. See snowpits below for results.

Snow pit in the Gov. Punch Bowl on a South slope at 8,600'. Before digging in this location, I experience two large collapses.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Persistent Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Layer Depth/Date: 30-40cm/0105
Weak Layer(s): Jan 5, 2023 (SH)
Comments: Shading depicts terrain traveled today and found evidence of instability.

There is growing evidence that the new/old weak layer (1/5) might not be just a shady problem (NW-N-NE-E). More evidence is needed to see if this is a southern end of the compass problem too.

Terrain Use

I stayed on bed surfaces and debris piles when below avalanche terrain. The day was filled with an assessment mindset.