Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
February 11, 2021Submitted:
February 11, 2021Observer:
SAC - Ethan DavisZone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern MtnsLocation:
Baker Lake (N-E-S, 7,500-9,000')Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
GoodConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
SteadyBottom Line
New snow and wind will bump wind slabs to the primary avalanche problem near the headwaters of Baker Creek tomorrow if snow + wind continue.
December facets are still down there, and still weak but buried under a hefty 100+ cm thick slab. I couldn't get results on the Jan 27 facets/surface hoar aside from blocks breaking when they were pulled into the pit.
Media/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly CloudyWind:
Moderate , NWNew/Recent Snowfall:
About an inch of new snow near Baker Lake by 2:00 PM, tapering quickly toward the parking lot.It was simultaneously sunny and snowing for a good portion of the day. Snowfall was more intense near the lake, diminishing quickly away from the Smoky crest.
Snowpack Observations
I set out to continue gathering data on (1/27). It was visible but didn't produce any results in snowpack tests aside from breaking when pried into the pit. (12/11) produced repeated CPSTs to end.
8,600', SE, HS = 130 cm:
130-114 F to 4F // Recent snow
114-113 1F, MFcr
113-95 4F
95-80 1F-
80-78 P // Jan. 27 crust + facets
78-32 1F- to 1F
32-0 4F to F to 4F // Dec. 11 depth hoar
8,900', NE, HS = 160 cm:
160-145 F // New and recent snow
145-110 4F to 1F // Jan. 27 @ 110 cm
110-68 1F
68-50 1F
50-35 F // Dec. 11 depth hoar
35-0 4F+ // Dirt layer and welded, squished old facets.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Deep Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 100 cm + Weak Layer(s): Dec 11, 2020 (FCsf) Comments: Shaded where observed. |
Terrain Use
I avoided avalanche terrain.