Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
March 22, 2022Submitted:
March 22, 2022Observer:
SAC - DavisZone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern MtnsLocation:
Headwaters (S-SW-NW-N-NE, 7,500-8,700')Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
Very GoodConfidence in Rating:
HighStability Trend:
SteadyBottom Line
The middle elevation terrain I traveled in lacked a slab near the surface. The weak layers were there but would require a wind load to be of any concern. Very firm conditions on W-SW-S facing slopes, turning to soft corn by 1 PM. No obvious new wet loose avalanches in the W. Smokys, Smokys, or Boulders by 2 PM.
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Partly CloudyTemperature:
30-35 FWind:
LightThick, mid-level clouds broke up early in the day. Partly cloudy skies with some high clouds till mid-afternoon. Very warm in the sun, but an intermittent cool N wind made it pleasant.
Avalanche Observations
No recent slides. I observed some D1 wet loose that likely occurred at the end of last week.
Snowpack Observations
Steep, sunny slopes were very firm into midday. I didn't stick around late into the afternoon but I imagine It'll take some sun + consecutive poor freezes to move much on these middle elevation slopes. The crusts thinned quickly as you wrap from W to WNW. WNW could be interesting with higher sun angles and some very warm temperatures in the next few days. Once the crust weakens the upper snowpack is very weak and faceted.
@8700', NE, HS = 155 cm:
This pit was in a location that would see wind affect in a big storm but was mostly sheltered. There was only 15 cm of snow above the (3/8) rain crust—not enough to be a problem here unless in wind-loaded. I did not get any results or observe anything of note at the top of the (3/8) crust. I got ECTN10 (x2) under the rain crust in very weak (F-) facets.
155
-------DF (F) Saturday's snow
153
-------MFcr
151
-------RG (F) (3/15-3/16) snow
144
-------MFcr
143
-------RG (F) (3/13) snow
139
-------MFcr (3/8) Very stout upper 3 cm, and crumbly chained lower 3 cm. Percolation columns under the crust down to at least 105 cm.
133
-------FC (F to 4F-)
105
-------RG (1F) Very strong layer in lower half of the snowpack.
30
-------FCxr (4f+ or 1F) moist
0
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 15 cm Weak Layer(s): Mar 8, 2022 (FC) Comments: This rose is shaded where the weak layer was observed. Lacking a slab, it was not a problem where I was. However, given the very poor structure I would have avoided slopes where I found a slab. |
Terrain Use
I anticipated avoiding areas on shadier aspects with a slab over the (3/8) layer but the slab was not thick enough to be of concern.