Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
November 9, 2022
Submitted:
November 12, 2022
Observer:
SAC - VandenBos (off duty)
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Galena Peak (7,300-10,300', primarily S-SW-W-NW-N)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Avalanches observed refers to intentionally triggered loose snow avalanches on evening of 11/9. Isolated cracking in fresh wind drifts.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured
New/Recent Snowfall:
HN24: 15-20cm (new snow in past 24 hours)

Afternoon tour, snowfall continued throughout the tour and after sunset, snowing a steady S1 with periods of S2. Calm to light winds blowing out of the S.

Avalanche Observations

I was able to easily intentionally trigger dry loose avalanches on steeper slopes. These picked up speed quickly, I couldn't see how large they were becoming due to poor visibility. I ski cut some wind loaded starting zones but the recently formed soft slabs were unreactive.

Snowpack Observations

Snow since 11/4 has settled to 45-60cm. There are a few density changes/snow crystal type changes in this new snow but nothing that looks terribly concerning. I did not look at this snow on slopes where the sun crust that likely formed on 11/6 exists. Where older snow exists underneath this snow, HS=70-100cm. Older snow (snow from before 11/4) had some moisture to it, but I did not encounter this snow on truly cold slopes (NW-N-NE at upper elevations).