Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
December 14, 2022Submitted:
December 15, 2022Observer:
SAC - Davis, VandenBosZone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern MtnsLocation:
Headwaters, SW of Saviers (Primarily W-SW-S, 7,400-9,600')Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
WidespreadCollapsing?
WidespreadSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
PoorConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
SteadyBottom Line
We experienced large collapses throughout our tour. In trees, on open slopes, sheltered, or previously wind-affected. Many initiated on W, SW, and S-facing slopes. There was notably little avalanche activity (that we could see) in the alpine in this area. There were multiple smaller avalanches in more sheltered middle and lower elevation.
Media/Attachments
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly CloudyTemperature:
Low 20sFWind:
Light , NHazy high-level clouds thickened into the afternoon. Diffuse sunshine for most of the day in this area. S-1 snowfall at the Pass and down into the Wood River Valley in the afternoon. Light but cold N wind. Some swirling wispy drifts in the alpine. Plenty of SAFT.
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Photos | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Dec 11, 2022 (+/- 1 day) |
Salmon River Headwaters: south of Chemeketan Campground W 8300ft |
D2 | SS-Soft Slab | N-Natural | Report | |||
| 1 |
Dec 11, 2022 (+/- 1 day) |
Near Saviers Pk NW 9500ft |
D2 | SS-Soft Slab | N-Natural | Report | |||
| 1 |
Dec 11, 2022 (+/- 1 day) |
Headwaters of the Salmon E 8600ft |
D2 | SS-Soft Slab | N-Natural | Report | |||
| 3 |
Dec 11, 2022 (+/- 1 day) |
SW-face of Bromaghin and Saviers SW 10000ft |
D2.5 | SS-Soft Slab | N-Natural |
|
Report |
We observed around 8 large avalanches including a D2.5 on the SW face of Saviers Pk. We'll add avalanche occurrences and photos as time allows.
Snowpack Observations
The November drought layer (11/27) was down 60-90 cm. It produced widespread collapsing throughout the tour. We didn't find the (12/8) layer where we looked on a W-facing slope at 8,300' but I suspect it potentially would have been more noticeable on shadier aspects.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 60-90 cm Weak Layer(s): Nov 27, 2022 (FC) Comments: Numerous collapses on W-SW-S facing slopes. Based on the natural activity, this layer may be weaker at middle and lower elevations. |
Terrain Use
We avoided avalanche terrain.