Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 7, 2023 - January 8, 2023
Submitted:
January 8, 2023
Observer:
SAC - Bret Rasmussen
Zone or Region:
Island Park
Location:
North Fork Yale Creek (NorthEast)

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
No collapses, no cracking, no results on tests. Some recent wind loading should be noted.

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Improving

Bottom Line

We have several weak layers in the snowpack that could fail causing an avalanche, likely a large deadly avalanche. It's hard to find places that exhibit reactive test results, but the evidence is in recently human triggered avalanches. We are not getting a ton of new snow and together with the mild temperatures this will create a strong snowpack over time. The places to watch out for are shallower snowpack areas where the persistent weak layer is easier to trigger.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured
Temperature:
20f
Wind:
Calm , S
New/Recent Snowfall:
none

We are entering a warming trend, which is generally healthy for the snowpack. The conditions are right for surface hoar development; however, I am only finding very isolated evidence of this. Something to keep an eye out for.

Snowpack Observations

I am finding very solid snowpack in most areas. We dug one pit yesterday that exhibited two weak layers in the top 35cm and one near the ground. This was a wind loaded slope with HN 230cm. CT test did not fail. No evidence of surface hoar at this location. 9100 feet on a NE aspect.
At lower elevations I found evidence of surface hoar forming, but not necessarily on the snow, see photo.

surface hoar on tree, southerly aspect

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Deep 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: near ground 1/7/2023
Weak Layer(s): Nov 1, 2022 (FC)
Comments: CTN This layer is more sensitive in shallower snowpack. I am finding a very solid slab on top of this layer in all locations.

Don't forget about recent avalanche activity within the forecast area. Even though most of the potential avalanches have released there is one waiting for a person to find the trigger point and go big.

Terrain Use

We are still avoiding all slopes above 30 degrees or anything connected to them.