Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
February 4, 2021Submitted:
February 4, 2021Observer:
SAC - Ethan DavisZone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky MtnsLocation:
McDonald Peak (N-E-S, 7,000-9,200')Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
FairConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
SteadyBottom Line
I was surprised not to see recent avalanche activity given the recent snow and wind in the Sawtooths. The December facets are still there and still weak but are showing some signs of strengthening under a meter of snow. The (1/27) layer wasn't as pronounced here and the small facets were starting to bond to the overlying storm snow.
Media/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly CloudyWind:
Moderate , NNew/Recent Snowfall:
HST = 15-20 cmMostly sunny skies in the morning, increasing clouds midday. Wind picked up to blow moderate with strong gusts, but seemed most consistent >9,000'.
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Photos | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Feb 3, 2021 (+/- 1 day) |
Eagle Creek S 9600ft |
D2 | N-Natural |
|
Report |
I was surprised to see a lack of avalanche activity given Tuesday's storm and wind. The only recent notable slide I noticed was in the headwaters of Eagle Ck near the one reported yesterday by Scott.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: ~45 cm Weak Layer(s): Jan 27, 2021 (FCsf) Comments: Shaded where observed. This layer appeared in snowpack tests but certainly didn't jump out as an obvious problem in this location. |
|||
|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 100 cm+ Weak Layer(s): Dec 11, 2020 (FCsf) Comments: Borderline DPS. Unlikely to trigger in uniformly deep areas. Shaded where observed. |
Terrain Use
I avoided avalanche terrain.