Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
February 21, 2021Submitted:
February 22, 2021Observer:
SAC - VandenBosZone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky MtnsLocation:
Shaw, near Dollarhide Summit (6,500-9,000', N-NE-E-SE-S)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedBottom Line
Unstable snowpack test scores and recent avalanche activity point to the continued potential of avalanches failing on buried weak layers in this area.
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly CloudyWind:
Moderate , WModerate westerly winds with strong gusts. Occasional S-1 flurries with no accumulation.
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Photos | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Feb 19, 2021 (+/- 3 days) |
Shaw SE 8900ft |
D2 | I-New/Old Interface | 3ft | N-Natural | Report |
Snowpack Observations
Primary goal was to look at character and presence of 1/27 and 12/11 interfaces in both solar and shaded terrain. In solar terrain, 1/27 interface (or what appeared to be 1/27) was 40-50cm down and presented as a 3-4cm thick MFcr with 1-2mm FC on top. This interface yielded repeated propagating results in ECTs with hard force. On shaded aspects, 1/27 was not distinct. Here, the entire upper portion of the snow was relatively well bonded and gave only very rough shears. 12/11 interface yielded ECTPs with hard force on both shaded and solar aspects. This was particularly impressive on shaded aspect, given the slab thickness of 1+m.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: down 40-50cm Weak Layer(s): Jan 27, 2021 (FCsf) Comments: Rose colored based on where I directly observed the problem |
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|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: down 70-110cm Weak Layer(s): Dec 11, 2020 (FCsf) Comments: Rose colored based on where I directly observed the problem |