Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Date:

January 11, 2022

Submitted:

January 12, 2022

Observer:

SAC - VandenBos

Zone or Region:

Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns

Location:

Fourth of July Drainage (6,800-9,700', E-NE-N-NW)

Recent Avalanches?

None Observed

Cracking?

None Experienced

Collapsing?

None Experienced

Stability Rating:

Fair

Confidence in Rating:

Moderate

Stability Trend:

Advanced Information

Cloud Cover:

Overcast

Wind:

Moderate , W

New/Recent Snowfall:

50-60cm settled HST in the foothills, decreasing to 35-45cm deeper in the range.

Cloudier than forecast. A brief bit of light in the morning in the valley, then mostly cloudy to overcast skies. Looked like it spit a few snowflakes in the Sawtooths. Brief sunshine in the afternoon, then high clouds moved back in. Winds blowing light to moderate out of the W. Didn't feel like it ever got terribly warm where the wind was blowing, but snow felt like it was taking a touch of ambient heat at the lower end of middle elevations.

Went out for a general snowpack recon in this area. At shady middle elevations, HS=120-140cm, with 12/11 buried 100-120cm down. I dug on a NE aspect at 8,500' and received ECTP 23, 24, and 23. CPSTs returned CPST 33, 40, and 39, all /120 END. Slab grades from F (new snow) through P+ at the base. 12/11 presents as layers of crusts interspersed with 3-4mm DH. DH is showing little signs of healing, Edges of cups are crisp and striations are still present. I tried to shoot some photos but my xtal card was too warm thanks to ambient temps.

Problem	Location	Distribution	Sensitivity	Size	Comments
Persistent Slab	N E S W	Isolated Specific Widespread	Unknown	D1 D1.5 D2 D2.5 D3 D3.5 D4 D4.5 D5	Weak Layer(s): Dec 11, 2021 (FC) Comments: 12/11 is definitely still a problem here

Plenty of large cornices to worry about. I did not encounter wind slabs directly. I did not encounter a problem at 1/3 interface, but I wasn't on solars and HST was a little light to get this going in this range.