Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 14, 2021
Submitted:
December 14, 2021
Observer:
SAC - Davis, Coba, Simon
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Titus Ridge

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Widespread
Collapsing? 
Widespread
Small natural avalanches were observed along the Stanley and Wood River Valley sides of Galena Summit. We triggered at least 3 that we know of. We never went more than about 100 ft without a substantial collapse, particularly where wind-loaded.

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

Conditions on Titus Ridge were as bad as I've witnessed in person. We triggered avalanches on slopes that are not usually considered "prime time" performers. Even "small" (D1) slides were spooky given the average 2-3+' crowns. It was very dangerous out there today. A classic example of a large storm overwhelming a well-developed weak layer.

Media/Attachments

This avalanche was triggered by a skier on a E-ENE facing slope at 9,600' near Galena Summit. The avalanche was 500' wide, 2-4' thick, and ran 600 vertical feet before disappearing from view.
This avalanche was triggered by a skier on a E-ENE facing slope at 9,600' near Galena Summit. The avalanche was 500' wide, 2-4' thick, and ran 600 vertical feet before disappearing from view.
Many slopes were spiderwebbed with fractures throughout. This slope faces E at about 9,300' near Galena Summit.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXewGc2Fbcl/

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
New/Recent Snowfall:
HST = 70-90 cm

It was snowing S1 to S2 midday and early afternoon. Wind shifted from S/SE to W by 1400, drifting snow through the gap at the Pass and creating poor visibility on the ski out.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
1 Dec 14, 2021 1:00 pm
(+/- 1 day) 		Titus Ridge
E 9600ft 		D2
R4 		SS-Soft Slab O-Old Snow 2.5ft AS-Skier
c-Intentional
This avalanche was triggered by a skier on a E-ENE facing slope at 9,600' near Galena Summit. The avalanche was 500' wide, 2-4' thick, and ran 600 vertical feet before disappearing from view.
This avalanche was triggered by a skier on a E-ENE facing slope at 9,600' near Galena Summit. The avalanche was 500' wide, 2-4' thick, and ran 600 vertical feet before disappearing from view.
Report
Link
Titus Ridge
 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
2 Galena Summit Hairpin
SE 8,900 		D1 SS O-Old Snow U-Unknown Likely plow triggered. Possibly natural. Looked like they occurred early this morning. One put a 8' pile on the edge of the road. These were only small 30 to 40' wide pockets on the left side of the slope. None
2 Forecaster Rocks - Titus Ridge
E 9,300 		D1 SS O-Old Snow AS-Skier
u-Unintentional 		A large collapse propagated at least 300' and released two small avalanches. They failed on a thin (~1 cm) layer of small facets over a 4F crust. None

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: 70-90 cm
Weak Layer(s): Dec 11, 2021 (FC)
Comments: Shaded where observed.
Wind Slab
Unknown Unknown
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Comments: We did not encounter wind-slabs but there were huge cornices and lots of recent wind-loading from last nights strong SE wind. Wind shifted to the W around midday and was already moving lots of snow onto E facing slopes near the gap at the Pass. Wind-loading where we travelled just served to worsen the Persistent Slab problem.

Terrain Use

We planned to avoid avalanche terrain and give steep slopes a wide berth. It was easy to stick to that plan.