Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 31, 2022Submitted:
February 1, 2022Observer:
SAC - VandenBos (off duty)Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern MtnsLocation:
Galena Peak (7,300-11,100)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
GoodConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
SteadyMedia/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Partly CloudyTemperature:
coldWind:
Moderate , NWNew/Recent Snowfall:
2-3cm at highway, 3-5cm at upper elevationWX obs from 1430 to 1730. Partly cloudy skies to start tour with winds blowing moderate to strong at all elevations. Wind decreased through tour, eventually blowing at light speeds with occasional moderate gusts at upper elevation. A thin cloud deck (~9,000-11,500') enveloped the peaks towards the end of the tour, along with some sputtering precipitation.
Avalanche Observations
No recent natural avalanches observed. I was able to trigger a very small wind slab in wind-loaded middle elevation terrain at the end of the day that broke 15cm down on the new/old interface (1/31).
Snowpack Observations
I was out looking for amount of new snow, amount of wind loading, and condition of surfaces in the alpine. I found 2-3cm of new snow at highway level and 3-5cm up high, though it was hard to be certain due to amount of wind loading. The sweet spot for wind loading seemed to be somewhere down at middle elevation, where winds had been transporting lots of snow but not bowing it away. Here, drifts were up to 15cm thick, but mostly thinner. Up high, winds had stripped many surfaces back down to icy windboard and satstrugi, though I did find some drifts along gully features in favorable terrain. Fresh slabs were not very sensitive (stubborn to unreactive), I was only able to trigger one very small slab (dinner table or two), down at 8,300'.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Slab
|
|
Comments: Not nearly enough new snow for this really to be a problem. |
|||
Persistent Slab
|
|
Weak Layer(s):
Dec 11, 2021 (FC)
Comments: I think this will stay on my problem list here until I'm comfortable traveling anywhere without thinking about it. |
Terrain Use
I traveled with both 12/11 and wind slabs in mind.