Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
November 29, 2022 - November 29, 2022
Submitted:
November 30, 2022
Observer:
SAC - Bret Rasmussen
Zone or Region:
Island Park
Location:
Arrange Peak (ALL)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
The snowpack turned out to be more stable than I had expected. 90cm at elevation with descent cohesion. 10cm of new snow. Compression test resulted in a CTN. Extended column test resulted in ECTX. I am still wary of some wind loaded drifts that could crack or collapse but didn't find any. There is a weak facetted layer about 20cm down that could become a problem with a new load of snow.

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Very Good
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Worsening

Bottom Line

I would rate the avalanche hazard at moderate on high elevation wind loaded slopes. And low at all other areas. We have about 3 feet of snow at elevation that is forming a great base. with a major winter storm system rolling in that will likely deliver over a foot of powder snow, this will naturally elevate the hazard rating until we get enough time to allow settling and stabilization. The weekend will bring better weather with a deep layer of new snow. Have fun with that and stay off of and out from under slopes that are steeper than 30 degrees.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Cloudy
Temperature:
6f
Wind:
Calm
New/Recent Snowfall:
HN 10cm

Snowpack Observations

90cm at elevation with descent cohesion. 10cm of new snow. Compression test resulted in a CTN. Extended column test resulted in ECTX.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Wind Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
 Unknown
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Weak Layer(s): Nov 27, 2022 (FC)
Comments: Compression test resulted in a CTN. Extended column test resulted in ECTX.

There is a 4cm layer of depth hoar next to the ground. I was able to identify the 1122 facet layer that could potentially become a problem with the new storm snow from the current storm cycle.

Terrain Use

We watched for wind drifts but did not find anything that would crack or collapse.