Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 3, 2021
Submitted:
January 3, 2021
Observer:
Pro
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Coyote Yurt- East Fork Baker Creek (All aspects 7200-9400)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
Widespread
Collapsing? 
Widespread
Widespread cracking and collapsing all aspects on observed elevations. I ski checked a convexity on a 30degree slope and cracked the entire slope. Snow did not slide due to angle, but even with a weak slab, propagated far.

Bottom Line

The snowpack in this area is worse off than Galena Summit and north. The slab ranges from 20-35 cm here, but the FC/DH mid-pack is weaker and more sensitive than other areas I’ve been skiing in this winter. Widespread collapsing and cracking with every step breaking trail. Expect widespread instability with the incoming storm in the region. As one of my mentors said, “unusual snowpack and weather produces unusual and unexpected avalanches”. I expect to see mid-slope, mid and low elevations in this region if the forecast storm verifies.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

New/Recent Snowfall:
2 cm HN24.

Day started out OVC and cleared to FEW. Winds generally light increasing to M with frontal passage in the PM. Surface snow moving, refilling tracks and building shallow wind slabs.

Snowpack Observations

Widespread poor structure abounds. See notes above. Hand pits failing in isolation both above and below MFcr associated with 12/11 interface. Blocks easily sliding on switchback cuts. Ski pen ranging from 10-25cm depending on aspect. While wind affected areas have a more robust slab structure, we were getting collapsing and cracking in sheltered terrain, all elevations. Collapses were propagating further in wind affected snow.

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: 20-35cm dn
Weak Layer(s): Dec 11, 2020 (FCsf)

Problem exists all aspects except due S, SW due to limited snow in avalanche terrain. Needs steeper slope (>35?) to actually avalanche.

Terrain Use

Closed terrain 35 and steeper in the AM. In the field, We kept it conservative and skied at and below 30 degrees. The cracking of a 30 degree slope was a good reminder of how sensitive the problem is. Based on our obs, we did not want to ski 30-35. Stepping back mindset.