Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
December 27, 2020Submitted:
December 28, 2020Observer:
SAC - VandenBosZone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern MtnsLocation:
Titus RidgeSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
IsolatedAdvanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
ClearTemperature:
single digits to low teens F (estimated)Wind:
Calm , NLight winds blowing out of the N-NE-E at the weather station. Dead calm elsewhere. Lots of incoming solar radiation, but cold temps were preventing crust formation on all but steepest slopes that directly faced the sun.
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Photos | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 |
Dec 26, 2020 (+/- 1 day) |
West Fk Prairie Peak E 9500ft |
D2 | SS-Soft Slab | N-Natural | Report | |||
| 1 |
Dec 26, 2020 (+/- 1 day) |
Saviers Peak E 9800ft |
D2 | SS-Soft Slab | N-Natural | Report | |||
| 1 |
Dec 26, 2020 (+/- 1 day) |
Parks Peak E 10000ft |
D2.5 | SS-Soft Slab | N-Natural |
|
Report |
Snowpack Observations
My primary goal was to look at the skier-triggered avalanche that occurred on 12/26. I ultimately did not feel comfortable entering the terrain without a partner due to concern of overhead hazard. Based on photos and location, it appears that the slide failed on the thick layer of early-season facets that were initially buried on 12/11.
I continued along the ridgeline to the weather station, glassing for avalanche activity along the way. I observed recent large, natural avalanches in the Headwaters, Smilley, and Alturas drainages, as well as on McDonald and Parks Peaks. On the drive north, I observed recent large, natural avalanches in the Owl Creek and Prairie Creek drainages.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Weak Layer(s):
Dec 11, 2020 (FCsf)
Comments: Location based on pattern of natural activity and previous observations. |
Terrain Use
Avoided avalanche terrain for ease in decision making and lack of partner.