Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 21, 2023Submitted:
January 21, 2023Observer:
SAC - Chris Lundy (off duty)Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky MtnsLocation:
Iron/Goat Cr Divide (6500-9100', N-E-S)Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
GoodConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
ImprovingBottom Line
Conditions seemed as forecast. 1/5 weak layers are becoming less distinct but still produce ECTPs.
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly SunnyWind:
Light , NWInverted temps, below zero when I began at 11am. Temps estimated to be in the 20s up high. Small amounts of snow left for transport.
Avalanche Observations
I had good visibility of a fair bit of terrain (naked eye, no glassing) and did not observe any avalanches other than small, older WL.
Snowpack Observations
I ascended/descended a wind-exposed ridge - all previous wind loading has been eaten away by surface faceting.
I dug in two fairly sheltered locations. I only looked at the top 1m of the snowpack.
@8700', SE, ~30*: HS 170. ECTP22 down 40cm on some small FC, presumably this is 1/5. I did not see any sign of SH, and there was no crust present. Two crusts existed in the 60-80cm down range, possibly 12/26 and 12/19?
@8600', N: HS 185. ECTP27 down 50cm on some small FC and SH shards. I couldn't find any intact full SH grains, only small shards and broken flakes. While looking at the layer with a black crystal card behind it, it's very thin/compressed.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 40-50 Weak Layer(s): Jan 5, 2023 (SH) Comments: Rose shaded where observed. ECTPs in both locations. |