Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 2, 2020
Submitted:
December 3, 2020
Observer:
SAC - Ethan Davis
Zone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley Mtns
Location:
Salt Bowns Road (All aspects, 5,600-8,300')

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Very Good
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

There were no avalanche problems in the terrain I traveled. The entire snowpack is losing cohesion (rotting and losing strength) in shallow areas of less than about a foot. In areas with about 1.5-2 feet, this process is primarily affecting the upper 10 inches or so. In these locations the snowpack is supportable and the snow density increases closer to the ground.

There is no access at the Wells trailhead but the groomed trail to Couch is in good shape. I'd be hesitant to do any serious off-trail riding due to under-snow hazards.

Media/Attachments

Southeastern slopes of Peak 1 in the Soldiers.
Wells Summit Trailhead. No groomed trail access for the time being.
Snow and dust drift along Soldier Creek.
East and northeast-facing slopes of the Soldiers.
Peak 2 in the Soldiers.
Soldier Mountains, Salt Bowns Road. General snow depth was 1.5-2 feet.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
Inverted
Wind:
Calm

Clear and calm. Near zero in the valley and near 30F in the hills.

Snowpack Observations

There is more snow at low elevations in the Soldiers than in the Wood River Valley. For instance, south-facing slopes are bare to at least 8,600' in Indian Creek (WRV) and the only bare slopes in the Soldiers were south-facing foothills just north of Fairfield.

Overall snow depth was 50-70 cm on shaded middle elevation slopes. Snowpacks under about 40 cm in depth were mostly faceted with 1-3 noticeable crusts. Snowpacks deeper than 40 cm were right-side-up and stronger near the ground.

I did not find any sign of faceted snow from October.

Soldier Mountains, Salt Bowns Road. General snow depth was 1.5-2 feet.

Terrain Use

Conservative riding due to solo-travel and shallow snow.