Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
December 9, 2019 - December 9, 2019Submitted:
December 9, 2019Observer:
SAC - O'Connor / AhernZone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern MtnsLocation:
Titus ridge -> weather station -> titus creek . all aspects. 8700- 10000Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
IsolatedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
PoorConfidence in Rating:
HighStability Trend:
SteadyBottom Line
all about avoiding avalanche terrain. a little elevation or even 5-10deg change in the compass makes a big difference in results. also overlying slab properties variable depending subtle changes in wind or solar input. Err on side of being conservative
fair stability at high elev > 9400 HS 50's . on E-SE aspect where basal FC replaced more by durable MFcr or just non existent.
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
ClearWind:
Light , NW
HS 45-65.
surface hoar to about 9000, then begins to be replaced by some developing windslab F+ -> 4F+
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Comments | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
windloaded aspect just off saddle between weather station and titus peak proper NE 9700 |
D1 | WS | 30-50cm | N-Natural | None |
Snowpack Observations
9800 ft, 60degrees NE - HS 65 CTE @ 12/7 down 25, ECTN 10
9850 ft, 115 degrees E - HS 50
9580 ft, 105 degrees E - HS 50 CTE @ 11/27 down 45, ECTP11
in some locations recently buried FCsf (3-5mm) @ 12/7 still upright and ripe for collapse with isolation, while in others already laying down.
in N 1/2: advanced basal FC (4-5mm) @ 11/26 generally still topped by crust/ FC combo which is still LOC with most energy
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 12/7 Comments: less prominent at highest elevations where development did not occur or blown down. |
|||
|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 11/26 Comments: wherever oct snow now advanced FC persist |
Terrain Use
status quo. given recent obs and what we saw stayed clear of avy terrain. options for descent limited, but with another 30cm of snow ? this weekend ? , much more terrain will have adequate cover, but big concerns about what it will do with this structure.