Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
April 2, 2023Submitted:
April 2, 2023Observer:
SAC - Jon PreussZone or Region:
Galena Summit and Eastern MtnsLocation:
Titus Ridge (SE-E-NE; 8700-9900')Signs of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
IsolatedBottom Line
Many of the natural avalanches observed failed within the upper snowpack. Most avalanches were associated with a weak layer near crusts on slopes facing the sun. I remote triggered a small avalanche on one of these crust layers in a semi-sheltered east facing slope in the middle elevation. Plenty of red flags were checked off to avoid avalanche terrain.
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly CloudyWind:
Light , WNew/Recent Snowfall:
HN: 20-25cmIt was mostly cloudy today, with brief periods of light snowfall. No accumulation. The wind was intermittently gusting moderate, but little snow was being transported. Some of the surrounding peaks had occasional snow plumes coming off them. The sun only appeared briefly, and south facing slopes didn't get much solar input.
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Photos | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Apr 1, 2023 (+/- 1 day) |
Titus Peak NE 9700ft |
D2 | N-Natural |
|
Report | |||
| 1 |
Apr 2, 2023 (+/- 1 day) |
Titus Ridge NE 9600ft |
D2 | SS-Soft Slab | N-Natural |
|
Report | ||
| 1 |
Apr 2, 2023 (+/- 1 day) |
Galena Peak S 11000ft |
D2.5 | N-Natural |
|
Report | |||
| 1 |
Apr 2, 2023 (+/- 1 day) |
Prairie Creek NE 9600ft |
D2 | N-Natural |
|
Report | |||
| 1 |
Apr 2, 2023 (+/- 1 day) |
Eagle Creek W 9000ft |
D2 | N-Natural |
|
Report | |||
| 1 |
Apr 2, 2023 (+/- 1 day) |
North Fork Wood River SW 10000ft |
D2.5 | N-Natural |
|
Report | |||
| 1 |
Apr 2, 2023 (+/- 1 day) |
Silver Creek (Lightning Point) SW 10600ft |
D2.5 | N-Natural |
|
Report |
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Comments | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Titus Ridge E 9300 |
D1.5 | SS | 50 cm |
AS-Skier c-Intentional |
I remotely triggered this east-facing slope from lower angled terrain on the side. |
|
Snowpack Observations
South facing slopes have two different crust layers of concern. The upper slab is about 25 cm thick failing on a thin crust of the new/old layer. This layer was propagating with 1-2 hits from the wrist. The next layer is buried about 55 cm down and may be the culprit of the natural avalanche activity observed in recent days. The Feb. weak layer was down 135 cm on a thin layer of facets near another melt-freeze crust.
A northeast facing pit at 9,600' had a thin layer of facets down 45 cm associated with a decomposing melt-freeze crust. The layer propagated after 9 hits in an Extended Column test. The Feb. weak layer was down 130-150 cm.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 50 cm Comments: I'm only referring to the the sensitivity of the March weak layers. |
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Wind Slab
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Terrain Use
I avoided avalanche terrain.