Pro Field Report
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
April 27, 2023Submitted:
April 28, 2023Observer:
SAC - Preuss, DavisZone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky MtnsLocation:
Bench Wx StationSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
IsolatedBottom Line
We observed many loose slides over the last few warm days on south-facing slopes. The snowpack didn't freeze very well from the previous night, and slopes facing the sun were getting mushy and unsupportable early in the day.
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Partly CloudyWind:
Light , NWHigh clouds moved overhead throughout the day. The wind was consistent and blowing from the NW.
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Photos | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Apr 26, 2023 (+/- 1 day) |
Fishhook Creek SE 9400ft |
D2 | WL-Wet Loose | N-Natural |
|
Report | ||
| 1 |
Apr 27, 2023 (+/- 1 week) |
Vat Creek "Elevator Shaft" E 9400ft |
D2 | WL-Wet Loose | U-Unknown |
|
Report | ||
| 1 |
Apr 26, 2023 (+/- 1 day) |
Owl Creek "Savier's Peak" E 10300ft |
D2 | C-Cornice | N-Natural |
|
Report |
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Comments | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numerous |
Decker Creek SE 10,000 |
D1 | WL | N-Natural | Numerous wet loose avalanches across this bowl from the last couple of days to older ones. |
|
Snowpack Observations
Last night had a fairly light freeze in the lower to middle elevations. The top 5-15 cm was mushy with a barely supportable crust at middle elevation. The snow underneath was moist from the previous day's warming.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wet Loose
|
|
Terrain Use
We didn't need to enter avalanche terrain to reach the Bench weather station. It was spring diurnal at middle and lower elevations on south-facing slopes.