Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 14, 2021
Submitted:
January 14, 2021
Observer:
SAC - Ethan Davis
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Baker Lake, Brodie Gulch (Primarily SW-S-E, 8,000-9,600')

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
Isolated
Cracking was relegated to fresh wind slabs near ridgelines. One small collapse near the Baker Lake TH and a couple 30-40' radius collapses in wind slab above 9,000'.

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Poor
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

Avalanche activity from the January 12-13th storm was widespread in this area. I observed numerous avalanches in the Baker Creek Drainage, on Baker Peak, and over the divide into the western Smokys.

A healthy dose of these avalanches were on relatively sheltered middle and lower elevations, generally clustered on E and N facing slopes. Some slides were in obviously wind-loaded terrain and may have failed later in the storm.

Media/Attachments

Slab avalanche across from Norton Creek Drainage. NW aspect at about 8,900'.
Wind slab avalanche on the E face of Baker Peak at about 9,900'.
Persistent slab avalanches on a NW-facing slope at 8,900' along the east arm of Baker Peak.
More crowns on the east arm of Baker Peak.
Wide view of a slide on the N-face of Baker Peak at 9,600'.
Close up of a portion of the crown on a slide on the N-face of Baker Peak at 9,600'.
Thin wind slab at the head of Brodie Gulch.
Persistent slab avalanche near the W Fork of Big Smoky Creek. E aspect at 8,400'.
Slab avalanche near Emma Creek. SE facing slope.
Older slab avalanche in the foreground and a more recent slide behind. SE-facing slope near Emma Creek.
These slides occurred near the Baker Creek road across from the turn to Norton Creek on a NW-facing slope near 7,500'. At least one appeared to be triggered by a wet loose avalanche from above.
There were several persistent slab avalanches on E facing slopes near the mouths of Cunard, Boyer and Lost Shirt Gulch. It was difficult to tell whether they failed in the last storm or were more recent.
There were several persistent slab avalanches on E facing slopes near the mouths of Cunard, Boyer and Lost Shirt Gulch. It was difficult to tell whether they failed in the last storm or were more recent.
These slides occurred in an E-facing bowl behind Butterfield at about 9,700'.
Wind-loading continued along the Smoky Crest on Thursday.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Wind:
Strong , NW
New/Recent Snowfall:
HST ~6"

NW wind moved snow in the Smoky alpine through midday before easing (slightly) in the afternoon.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
1 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day) 		Baker Peak
N 9600ft 		D2.5 HS-Hard Slab N-Natural
Wide view of a slide on the N-face of Baker Peak at 9,600'.
Close up of a portion of the crown on a slide on the N-face of Baker Peak at 9,600'.
Report
1 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 3 days) 		Baker Peak
E 9900ft 		D2 HS-Hard Slab N-Natural
Wind slab avalanche on the E face of Baker Peak at about 9,900'.
Report
3 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day) 		Baker Peak
NW 9000ft 		D2 N-Natural
More crowns on the east arm of Baker Peak.
Persistent slab avalanches on a NW-facing slope at 8,900' along the east arm of Baker Peak.
Report
1 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day) 		W Fork Big Smoky Creek
E ft 		D2 N-Natural
Persistent slab avalanche near the W Fork of Big Smoky Creek. E aspect at 8,400'.
Report
2 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day) 		Western Smokys
SE ft 		D2 U-Unknown
Slab avalanche near Emma Creek. SE facing slope.
Older slab avalanche in the foreground and a more recent slide behind. SE-facing slope near Emma Creek.
Report
2 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day) 		Cunard Gulch
NW 8900ft 		D2 N-Natural
Slab avalanche across from Norton Creek Drainage. NW aspect at about 8,900'.
Report
10 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day) 		Cunard Gulch, Lost Shirt, Boyer Gulch
E 8400ft 		D2 SS-Soft Slab N-Natural
There were several persistent slab avalanches on E facing slopes near the mouths of Cunard, Boyer and Lost Shirt Gulch. It was difficult to tell whether they failed in the last storm or were more recent.
There were several persistent slab avalanches on E facing slopes near the mouths of Cunard, Boyer and Lost Shirt Gulch. It was difficult to tell whether they failed in the last storm or were more recent.
Report
1 Jan 13, 2021
(+/- 1 day) 		Near Butterfield
E 9700ft 		D2.5 HS-Hard Slab N-Natural
These slides occurred in an E-facing bowl behind Butterfield at about 9,700'.
Report
Baker Peak
Baker Peak
Baker Peak
W Fork Big Smoky Creek
Western Smokys
Cunard Gulch
Cunard Gulch, Lost Shirt, Boyer Gulch
Near Butterfield

Snowpack Observations

A proper rain crust was observed until just over about 7,700'. By the Baker Lake TH (8,000') the crust was very weak, thin, and flaky, disappearing shortly after.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Persistent Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Weak Layer(s): Dec 11, 2020 (FCsf)
Comments: Layer was felt with pole pokes. Previous obs show its presence is widespread on all aspects and elevations.
Wind Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
 Layer Depth/Date: 10-30 cm
Comments: Isolated cracking and collapsing in exposed middle and upper elevation terrain lee to W and NW wind.

Terrain Use

I avoided avalanche terrain.