Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 10, 2022
Submitted:
February 11, 2022
Observer:
SAC - Chris Lundy
Zone or Region:
Soldier and Wood River Valley Mtns
Location:
N Fk Soldier Creek, Smoky Dome Canyon, Boardman Cr (5800-9000', most aspects)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Avalanche refers to one small wet loose avalanche

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

Objective today was primarily terrain familiarity so obs were primarily surface-based while moving. Main stability issue was wet surface snow due to very warm temperatures. This was most pronounced at lower elevations and where the snowpack was shallow.

Media/Attachments

Wet snow surfaces at lower elevations in the Soldiers. Afternoon on Thursday, February 10th.
Smoky Dome Canyon
Weathered/wind-affected upper elevation terrain.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Wind:
Moderate , NW

Moderate (occasionally strong) winds at upper elevations kept things a bit cooler than they would have otherwise been. Base of ski area was 48F on the truck thermometer at 3pm.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
1 Smoky Dome Canyon
W 7200 		D1 WL N-Natural
Small wet loose avalanche in the Soldiers that likely ran with warming temperatures on Wednesday, February 9th. W, 7200'.

Snowpack Observations

Upper and exposed middle elevations are extremely weather and variable. Sheltered/shady slopes at middle and upper elevations still hold dry surface facets. We rode one sunny, upper elevation slope at 1pm and it was wet at the surface, but still boot supportable. I suspect you could have peeled off the upper surface if you pushed on it, but not much more.

Surfaces down low were moist in the shade and wet on solar. Sled pen was close to the ground as we approached the base of the ski area around 3pm.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Wet Loose
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Comments: I didn't make direct observations on sensitivity - it's an estimate

Terrain Use

We didn't have any terrain closed. Caution would have been warranted on any steep solar slope, especially down low.