Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 29, 2022
Submitted:
January 30, 2022
Observer:
SAC - VandenBos (off duty)
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Fourth of July Drainage (6,800-11,800' all aspects)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Improving

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Wind:
Calm
New/Recent Snowfall:
Hard to get a good sense for how much snow had fallen since 1/20, but I'd estimate between 15 and 20cm

Clear and calm. Deep inversion in the morning (-20F at the highway), t-shirt weather up high for most of the day.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
1 Jan 6, 2022
(+/- 1 week) 		Croesus Peak?
NE 9800ft 		D2 HS-Hard Slab N-Natural
This large avalanche failed in a heavily wind-loaded location in the White Cloud Mountains. The slope faces NE at around 9,800'.
Report
1 Jan 6, 2022
(+/- 1 week) 		Washington Peak
E 10500ft 		D2.5 HS-Hard Slab N-Natural
This large avalanche was observed on the E/SE face of Washington Peak in the White Cloud Mountains. It likely occurred at the tail of the of the last major storm cycle near the first week of January.
This large avalanche was observed on the E/SE face of Washington Peak in the White Cloud Mountains. It likely occurred at the tail of the of the last major storm cycle near the first week of January.
Report
1 Jan 6, 2022
(+/- 1 month) 		below S Face Castle
S 11000ft 		D2.5 N-Natural Report
1 Jan 6, 2022
(+/- 1 week) 		Chamberlain Basin
S 10800ft 		D2 HS-Hard Slab N-Natural Report
Croesus Peak?
Washington Peak
below S Face Castle
Chamberlain Basin

Snowpack Observations

More dry snow hanging around on solars than I had anticipated, I'd estimate 15-20cm of new since 1/20. Wind had been doing plenty of work on upper elevation northerly aspects but less than I observed last week in the Sawtooths. No direct observations of 12/11, but continuing to observe large avalanches that failed on this during the most recent storm cycle (early January). This weak layer/slab combo is in a period of dormancy but I'm expecting to see more avalanche activity on 12/11 if we see some bigger storms head our way again.

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
 Weak Layer(s): Dec 11, 2021 (FC)
Comments: No direct observations, sensitivity between stubborn and unreactive.

Stiff wind slabs were isolated and easy to identify and avoid, wet loose never quite became I problem but I was mindful of it. 12/11 is still driving terrain selection in this zone.

Terrain Use

Cautiously entered avalanche terrain where 12/11 was present for the first time in this zone this season. There is a lot (most) avalanche terrain where 12/11 is present that I would not enter.