Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
November 30, 2022Submitted:
December 1, 2022Observer:
SAC - VandenBos (off duty), JorgensonZone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley MtnsLocation:
Warm Springs Creek Drainage (6,300-8,300', primarily E-NE-N-NW)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
WidespreadCollapsing?
WidespreadSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
FairConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
WorseningBottom Line
A very weak snowpack exists in this area. The 8-10" of new snow was begging to overload the weak snow underneath and widespread cracking and collapsing were observed. On steeper slopes or where the wind was building slabs, I have no doubt that avalanches would have been easy to trigger.
Media/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
ObscuredWind:
CalmNew/Recent Snowfall:
20cm at road level, 25cm at our highpointSteady S1-2 snowfall throughout afternoon tour, with accumulation of 5-7cm between 1400 and 1800.
Avalanche Observations
No avalanches observed, aside from micro-avalanches on small rollovers, but we had very limited visibility.
Snowpack Observations
Impressive collapsing and shattering of slopes, particularly as we climbed higher where there was more older snow to smooth out the terrain. Thanks to ongoing snowfall and poor light it was difficult to tell how far these were traveling, but in a few instances it was evident that these were running 100+m across and upslopes. Remote triggering would certainly have been on the table where the wind was building a slab in steeper terrain.
The 11/27 interface
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Weak Layer(s):
Nov 27, 2022 (FC)
Comments: Rose shaded based on where this layer is expected to exist. Its character varies by aspect and elevation and its sensitivity does as well. |