Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
December 24, 2020Submitted:
December 24, 2020Observer:
SAC - Ethan DavisZone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley MtnsLocation:
Dollarhide Mountain (Primarily S-E-N, 7,000-9,300')Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
GoodConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
ImprovingBottom Line
There were only a few noticeable slides from the solstice storm. They were observed on E facing slopes at upper elevation. There's about 10" of snow above the weak facet layer (12/11) and (12/13). I couldn't seem to find a stiff slab anywhere other than on ridges.
Dollarhide and west to the Soldiers have fared far better with December snows than the Wood River Valley. It should be noted that this region may be primed for a good avalanche cycle when/if the next load arrives.
The solstice crust was observed as a proper ice lens up to ~8,500' and a melt-freeze wafer up to 9,300'. It also appeared that there was at least some time when freezing rain/fog occurred near the summit.
Media/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
ClearTemperature:
InvertedWind:
CalmClear and calm. Inverted temperatures. Very cold at the car and likely upper 20s F near Dollarhide Summit.
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Comments | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Dollarhide Crest SE 9,300 |
D1.5 | SS | Likely failed during the solstice storm. |
|
||||
| 1 |
Dollarhide Crest E 9,200' |
D1 | SS | AC-Cornice Drop | Likely failed during the solstice storm. |
|
Less activity than expected. I was able to clearly view most of the salt-bowns ridge and the majority of the E-facing terrain in the Soldiers. No obvious D2 piles were found although they could have been obscured by recent snow.
Snowpack Observations
See image
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 20+ cm Weak Layer(s): Dec 11, 2020 (FCsf) Comments: Much of this zone lacked a stiff enough slab for this to be much of a problem aside from recently wind-loaded terrain. |
Terrain Use
I set out with an "assessment" mindset and stuck to it. Although I would have felt comfortable skiing steeper terrain where the slab overlying the 12/11 weak layer was weaker and thinner than expected.