Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
December 29, 2021Submitted:
December 29, 2021Observer:
ProZone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern MtnsLocation:
Durrance (6300'-7900', East to Southwest)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
FairConfidence in Rating:
LowStability Trend:
SteadyBottom Line
Even though many slopes off Durrance held no snow prior to the onset of two larger long-running storms starting three weeks ago, brief lapses in snowfall allowed for weak layers to form. As the new snow settles and forms a denser slab, these weak layers may start becoming more reactive. I found surface hoar on multiple aspects and elevations up to 7900' that propagated in both pits.
Media/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
OvercastWind:
CalmFluctuated between lulls in snowfall and s-1
Snowpack Observations
Two pits, one on a S aspect on the standard approach ridge, one on the furthest west treed ridge on a SE aspect. The ECTN scores around 60cm appear to be a buried NSF layer.
S, 6840': HS 90cm, ECTN10 @ 73cm, ECTN13 @ 60cm, ECTP24 @ 38cm.
SE, 7000': HS 95cm, ECTN6 @ 80cm, ECTP20 @ 30cm
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 35-40cm Comments: Surface hoar buried in lull between last 2 storms, noted on multiple aspects in multiple zones in this area |
Terrain Use
I was skiing solo and did not have high enough confidence in where the surface hoar was and was not to enter terrain above 30 degrees. It appears to be widespread as I found it in Eagle Creek, and may become more reactive as the new snow settles and form a more cohesive slab.