Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 2, 2022
Submitted:
March 2, 2022
Observer:
SAC - Davis
Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky Mtns
Location:
McDonald Area (S-E-N, 6,900-9,100')

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Isolated 20-40 cm cracking along an exposed ridge.

Bottom Line

Small wind slabs in exposed terrain and wet avalanches on very steep, sunny slopes were my main concern today.

Media/Attachments

This large slab avalanche released at 9,500' on the north face of Saviers Pk in the Smoky Mountains. The slab spanned well over 1,000' and likely failed on weak faceted snow that formed during the drought.
This large slab avalanche released at 9,500' on the north face of Saviers Pk in the Smoky Mountains. The slab spanned well over 1,000' and likely failed on weak faceted snow that formed during the drought.
This small wind slab avalanche released just below an upper elevation ridgeline near McDonald Pk. The slab entrained wetter snow as it moved down slope.
These wet avalanches released during rainfall on March 1st. They occured at 8,300' on a NW-facing slope near Cabin Ck.
Wet loose avalanches as well as a couple of small slab avalanches on a SE-facing slope at 8,500' above Hell Roaring Lake.
Small slab and wet loose avalanches south of McDonald Pk. E and SE aspects at 9,700'.
Small wet loose avalanche above the Big Wood River just North of the SNRA. NW-facing slope at 6,600'.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Temperature:
Very Warm
Wind:
Light , SW
New/Recent Snowfall:
HN = 4-8 cm

Very warm. Mostly sunny for most of the morning. Clouds began to build in the afternoon. Drifting snow along upper elevation ridgelines. Gusty SW and W wind.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
1 Mar 1, 2022
(+/- 1 day) 		Saviers Pk
N 9500ft 		D2 SS-Soft Slab N-Natural
This large slab avalanche released at 9,500' on the north face of Saviers Pk in the Smoky Mountains. The slab spanned well over 1,000' and likely failed on weak faceted snow that formed during the drought.
This large slab avalanche released at 9,500' on the north face of Saviers Pk in the Smoky Mountains. The slab spanned well over 1,000' and likely failed on weak faceted snow that formed during the drought.
Report
Saviers Pk

Boulders: Mostly aggressive roller balls with some D1 wet loose.
Smokys (SNRA and north): One large avalanche on the N face of Saviers. Otherwise D1 wet loose.
W. Smokys, S. Sawtooths: A few D1 wind slabs, several D1 and D1.5 wet loose.

Snowpack Observations

It rained to at least 8,400' here. Lower elevations were an absolute mess. I was half certain I'd find a hole where "sled pen" was at the ground. The mostly-wet snowpack circled all lower elevations and climbed up into middle elevation on steep, sunnier slopes. A rain crust had formed on shadier, middle elevation aspects and stayed cool throughout the day.

Above the rain line there was 10-16 cm of snow above the crust that caps the weaker drought layer facets. Roughly half of this fell during yesterday's storm. There really isn't enough snow to form a "slab" above the facets unless it's in a wind-loaded area.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Wet Loose
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Comments: Low elevations were a mess. I watched a WL at 11 AM above Hell Roaring Lake. I suspect a lot of the "peeler" wet loose ran their course today.
Wind Slab
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Comments: Wind was continuing to move snow at upper elevation.

Terrain Use

I avoided being on or under steep sunny slopes. Small wind slabs were easy to identify and avoid in the terrain I traveled.