Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
May 13, 2022
Submitted:
May 13, 2022
Observer:
Pro
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Hyndman Drainage: Cobb Peak (N-W; 7,000-11,650')

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

There was a natural avalanche cycle that likely came with the 5/9 storm. We didn't find this layer to be reactive and sometimes not present in numerous snowpits. There continues to be a complex spatial variability with the recent PWLs on north facing aspects. Some slopes have the right layering to produce slides and other don't have enough slab or no facets present.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Cloudy
Wind:
Light , W
New/Recent Snowfall:
HST ~25cm

Morning snow showers (s-1) and overcast skies which started to clear up mid day. Plumes of snow coming off Grays Peak.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Photos Details
1 May 9, 2022
(+/- 1 week) 		Pioneer Mtns: Hyndman Ck - Paymaster Peak
N 9600ft 		D2 U-Unknown 1.5ft N-Natural
Natural slab avalanche observed on Paymaster Peak in the Hyndman Ck drainage in the Pioneer Mtns.
Report
4 May 9, 2022
(+/- 1 week) 		Pioneer Mtns: Hyndman Ck - Little Basin
N 9600ft 		D2 U-Unknown 1.5ft N-Natural
Several slab avalanches observed in Little Basin - Hyndman Ck in the Pioneer Mtns.
Report
Pioneer Mtns: Hyndman Ck - Paymaster Peak
Pioneer Mtns: Hyndman Ck - Little Basin
 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
5 Deadend Canyon "Little Basin"
NW 9200-9600 		D2 SS I-New/Old Interface 35-50cm N-Natural Multiple naturals observed in Deadend Canyon. Some looked to have been sympathatically releases from above slabs. Aspects are mostly W-NW-N. I'm assuming these released during the recent new load on it during the 5/9 storm. Depths are based on similar elevation and aspect of snowpits.
Several slab avalanches observed in Little Basin - Hyndman Ck in the Pioneer Mtns.
1 Paymaster Peak
N 9600 		D2 SS I-New/Old Interface 35-50cm N-Natural
Natural slab avalanche observed on Paymaster Peak in the Hyndman Ck drainage in the Pioneer Mtns.

All naturals observed failed near ridgelines on north facing slopes. Likely occuring on some kind of persistent weak layer sitting on top of the stout Melt Freeze crust from March.

Snowpack Observations

#1 Hyndman Basin 9500', NW: CTM (PC) in new snow, ECTN
#2 Hyndman Basin 10,300' NW: CTH (RP) on facets above MF.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Persistent Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Layer Depth/Date: 35cm
Weak Layer(s): Apr 10, 2022 (FC)

Terrain Use

We skied in confined avalanche terrain on north and west aspects up to 45*.