Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 13, 2021
Submitted:
January 13, 2021
Observer:
SAC - Ethan Davis
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Titus Ridge (All aspects, 8,500-9,200')

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Cracking was isolated to fresh wind drifts up to 1' thick. I didn't feel any big collapses. There was no way to hear any given the howling wind.

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Poor
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

I observed multiple avalanches in the Boulder Mountains and several more in the Smokys south of Galena Pass. Wind was moving a lot of snow at exposed middle and upper elevations. Fresh wind slabs were actively forming and will likely be touchy tomorrow in many areas.

Media/Attachments

Large natural avalanches in Mill Creek in the Smoky Mountains. Crowns span across the majority of the image.
Natural persistent slab avalanche in the Headwaters of the Salmon River.
Large slab avalanches on Weather Station Peak in the Smoky Mountains.
Strong to extreme NW wind observed on Wednesday.
Closer look at crowns between Weather Station Peak and Titus Peak.
Large avalanches near Titus Peak, south of Galena Summit in the Smoky Mountains.
Arrows highlight large slab avalanches near Titus Peak and Weather Station Peak in the Smoky Mountains south of Galena Pass.
Small slab near Titus Lake Trail.
Slab avalanches in Murdock Creek.
A large slab avalanche in the Boulder Mountains on Cabin Peak (near Galena Peak).
Numerous natural persistent slab avalanches in Anderson Creek in the Smoky Mountains.
Numerous natural persistent slab avalanches in Anderson Creek in the Smoky Mountains.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKAsYVlliDv/

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Wind:
Strong , W
New/Recent Snowfall:
HST ~6-8"

From noon on, it was partly cloudy. The wind was strong with extreme gusts from the W and NW. Lots of snow moving at upper elevations as well as many middle elevation slopes.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
10 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day) 		Anderson Creek
SE 8700ft 		D2 N-Natural
Numerous natural persistent slab avalanches in Anderson Creek in the Smoky Mountains.
Numerous natural persistent slab avalanches in Anderson Creek in the Smoky Mountains.
Numerous natural persistent slab avalanches in Anderson Creek in the Smoky Mountains.
Report
1 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day) 		Headwaters of the Salmon
E 8500ft 		D2 N-Natural
Natural persistent slab avalanche in the Headwaters of the Salmon River.
Report
2 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day) 		Cabin Peak in Gladiator Creek
W 9500ft 		D2.5 N-Natural
A large slab avalanche in the Boulder Mountains on Cabin Peak (near Galena Peak).
A large slab avalanche in the Boulder Mountains near Galena Peak.
Report
3 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day) 		Weather Station Peak
NW 9800ft 		D2.5 N-Natural
Large slab avalanches on Weather Station Peak in the Smoky Mountains.
Large slab avalanches on Weather Station Peak in the Smoky Mountains.
Arrows highlight large slab avalanches near Titus Peak and Weather Station Peak in the Smoky Mountains south of Galena Pass.
Report
3 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day) 		Titus Peak
N 10000ft 		D2.5 N-Natural
Large avalanches near Titus Peak, south of Galena Summit in the Smoky Mountains.
Report
1 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day) 		Mill Creek
NW 9300ft 		D2.5 U-Unknown
Large natural avalanches in Mill Creek in the Smoky Mountains. Crowns span across the majority of the image.
Report
2 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day) 		Murdock Creek
NW 8000ft 		D1.5 U-Unknown
Slab avalanches in Murdock Creek.
Report
Anderson Creek
Headwaters of the Salmon
Cabin Peak in Gladiator Creek
Weather Station Peak
Titus Peak
Mill Creek
Murdock Creek

I observed a handful of slides in the Boulders and several in the Smokys. Most steep terrain around Weather Station Peak and Titus Peak slid. Some slides were borderline D3.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Persistent Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Weak Layer(s): Dec 11, 2020 (FCsf)
Comments: This rose is based on previous obs from the area. I did not dig to this layer today.
Wind Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Layer Depth/Date: 10-30 cm
Comments: I found freshly forming wind slabs on these aspects, they continued to grow quickly throughout the day.

Terrain Use

I avoided avalanche terrain