Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
December 17, 2021Submitted:
December 17, 2021Observer:
SAC - Chris LundyZone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky MtnsLocation:
Beaver Creek (8000-9400', snowpack obs from S-E-N)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
IsolatedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
FairConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
ImprovingBottom Line
Weak October snow is buried more deeply in this area than further south - about 2.5-3+'. Snowpit tests and a large collapse indicate that this weak layer is still reactive, and any slide triggered would likely be quite large. Although recent storms obscured the details, there was a cycle of natural avalanches in this drainage during the storm. Southerly facing slopes at mid elevations had the best stability.
Media/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Partly CloudyTemperature:
teensWind:
LightNew/Recent Snowfall:
There appeared to be 15-20cm of snowfall from the past few days.While temps were cold, there was enough sun for solar slopes to take a bit of heat at the surface.
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Photos | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Dec 14, 2021 (+/- 1 day) |
Beaver Creek N 9600ft |
D2 | SS-Soft Slab | O-Old Snow | N-Natural |
|
Report | |
| 1 |
Dec 14, 2021 (+/- 1 day) |
Beaver Creek W 9600ft |
D2 | SS-Soft Slab | O-Old Snow | N-Natural |
|
Report |
There has been enough recent snow and wind to obscure details, but there appeared to be a cycle during the storm in this drainage. I also saw a ghost crown from a smaller slide in fairly sheltered terrain, and two small (~D1) wind slabs that released within the past day or so.
Snowpack Observations
@8100', SE, 27*: HS 70cm, no old October snow, right side up snowpack going to 1F- at the ground.
Large collapse @8300', NE. Facet/crust layer felt with a pole 75cm down.
@8600, E, 20*: HS 145cm. 90cm settled HST (bottom third 1F) on 12/11 crust/facet/crust layer. Facets were F+, 2mm. ECTP 26 on 12/11. See attached video.
Probing at 9300', N on semi-sheltered slope: HS 180-195cm, 12/11 felt 105cm down.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Weak Layer(s):
Dec 11, 2021 (FC)
Comments: Rose colored in on forecasted location |
Encountered some freshish, deep, soft drifts, but they were small spatially and seemed unreactive.
Terrain Use
I avoided avalanche terrain.