Public Field Report

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Skied East of Hailey in low angle North/East facing terrain. Low angle skin ridge (NE) was extremely wind loaded with touchy slabs throughout the elevation profile. Depth of wind slab was up to 4'+. Widespread collapsing and cracking was observed with small test slopes cracking on demand. In sheltered terrain we witnessed widespread collapsing and cracking as well, although the cracking was not as dramatic as in the wind affected terrain. Snow continued to fall throughout the tour, less than 1"/hr, temperature at approx. 6,200ft of 32 degrees F.

Skied in same area yesterday (1/28). Wind affects in the last 24 hours were SUBSTANTIAL and made for difficult skinning and very unstable snow. Snowpack is not to be trusted in any terrain.