Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Public Field Report

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 27, 2020
Submitted:
December 27, 2020
Zone or Region:
Sawtooth and Western Smoky Mtns
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Weather Station Peak

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Isolated
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
Yes, Widespread

Observations

Travelled up and down through well-anchored terrain <30 degrees on the east-facing slope off weather station peak avoiding connected terrain as much as possible. (10k-9.3K). Ski penetration still deep into facet layer breaking trail. Ski turns boot top with a defined bottom. Very little wind deposition on lees. Trees up high still holding snow. Stellar heads up day.

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Persistent Slab
Comments: 
Upper elevation, 9-10K. E-SE aspect @9300'. We rated likelihood to be stubborn as we poked around this area. Quick pit revealed CT11Q2 RP and ECTP10Q2RP. Both 50cm down on buried facet layer.
Observed Avalanche Problem #2: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
Lee side of ridges approaching weather station. Infrequent settling. Stubborn to unreactive. 10-30cm deep. Hardness 1F+.