Pro Field Report

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 10, 2023
Submitted:
January 10, 2023
Observer:
SAC - Jon Preuss
Zone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern Mtns
Location:
Baker Creek (N-S, 6675-9200')

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
Isolated
Only heard one collapse in a shallow, wind-affected area in the lower elevation.

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

Couldn't find any evidence of new instabilities with the upper snowpack. Observed moderate results and propagation in stability tests. The layers of concern were in the middle of the snowpack. South slopes held a layer of pronounced facets on top of a rain crust. A north slope had buried surface hoar failing in propagation tests. Snowmobile tracks on test slopes (facing south) with no results.

Media/Attachments

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Wind:
Light , S
New/Recent Snowfall:
HST: 25cm

1200-1730 hrs obs. S1 snow began to fall around 1400 and continued on the drive back to Hailey.

Avalanche Observations

The light was flat and snowing for most of the day. I have low confidence that I would be able to spot an avalanche if it was out there.

Snowpack Observations

Dug on a sheltered north facing slope at 8500'. Found buried surface down 68cm which propagated after 32 hits with repeated results. There weren't any noticeable instabilities in the new snow or new/old surface.

A southeast slope at 9200' had a layer of sugary facets on top of a thin rain crust (12/19). The slab above the facets propagated (ECTP 16,18) multiple times in stability tests. The greasy layer of facets was 3cm thick on top of the crust.

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: 50-65cm/1219
Weak Layer(s): Dec 19, 2022 (FC)
Comments: Rose illustrates the terrain where weak layers were verified in snowpack.

Didn't spend much time in exposed terrain. Drifted snow was present near the ridgelines but not as bad as I expected.

Terrain Use

Solo tour. Stayed off of avalanche terrain. Went into the day with an Assessment mindset and left the field with Status Quo.