Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
December 16, 2021Submitted:
December 16, 2021Observer:
SAC - Lundy, VandenBosZone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley MtnsLocation:
Morgan Ridge (6000-8300', S-W-N)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
IsolatedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
FairConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
ImprovingBottom Line
Where old October snow exists beneath the recent storm snow, the snowpack remains dangerous - we experienced collapsing, cracking, and poor test scores in these areas. In the terrain we observed, the old snow was limited to elevations over about 8000' and N facing. We did not travel into upper elevations. Stability on slopes without old snow is better, but there is barely enough for reasonable travel.
Media/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly CloudyTemperature:
teensWind:
LightNew/Recent Snowfall:
1-3cmAvalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Photos | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Dec 14, 2021 (+/- 1 day) |
Below highway 75 uphill of Camp Creek bend NW 8300ft |
D1.5 | U-Unknown | Report |
Had mediocre visibility
Snowpack Observations
Snow depths ranged from about 35-40cm on the valley bottom to 55-65cm at the upper end of mid-elevations (8300') on N aspects. @8200', N, 26*: HS 65cm, settled HST 45cm 4F. 12/11 consisted of a thin/weak crust above 3-5mm FC/DH above a stronger crust. These facets were the most developed I've seen. ECTP 4,8,11,13. We received several collapses in this vicinity. See attached video.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 45cm Weak Layer(s): Dec 11, 2021 (FC) Comments: Rose shows where problem exists in the terrain we observed. We did not get into upper elevations. |
Terrain Use
We avoided avalanche terrain and stuck to low angle ridges