Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 21, 2022Submitted:
January 21, 2022Observer:
SAC - Chris LundyZone or Region:
Banner SummitLocation:
South of Copper (6900-8800', N-W-S)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
GoodConfidence in Rating:
HighStability Trend:
SteadyBottom Line
The 7-10" of low-density new snow did not appreciably change the snow stability. Light to moderate N wind was forming fresh drifts up to 1.5-2' thick, but they were very small in spatial extent and did not seem big enough to be a significant hazard. The new snow buried a layer of surface hoar (in addition to surface facets) - time will tell if this becomes an issue.
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Partly CloudyWind:
Light , NNew/Recent Snowfall:
15-20cm at highway level, 20-25cm at middle and upper elevations. Estimated density around 7-8%.The wind was blowing light to moderate at ridge level, forming small drifts. There was enough cloud cover that the sun was fairly diffuse, but solar took a bit of heat.
Snowpack Observations
Primary objective was to see whether we buried SH and how widespread it is. I found it in 3 of 3 locations on shady/sheltered slopes. 2 of 3 had large, upright crystals, 1 had smaller, more needle-like grains that were less upright. The photos below show SH found at 7800' on a NW aspect. It's unclear how much of a problem this will be, especially since there is a significant layer of FCsf below the SH and today's HST will likely facet. Still, it was something to look at...
@6900', flat: HS 170, no 12/11
@NW, 7800': HS 225, 12/11 probed about 180cm down.
Avalanche Problems
Although I saw small wind slabs, they were small enough that I wouldn't call them an avalanche problem
Terrain Use
I didn't have any terrain closed in the morning trip plan, although I made a note to look for and avoid fresh wind drifts.