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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
November 13, 2022 - November 13, 2022
Submitted:
November 14, 2022
Observer:
Pro
Zone or Region:
Boulder/Jughandle Area
Location:
7,300 West facing

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
It is worth noting that there were a few cracks on yesterday's skintrack, indicating some settlement, nothing alarming in my experience, not uncommon.

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

Bottom line is that I am far more concerned about hitting a booby trap in the thin snow than anything else including the facets described below in avalanche problems because I'm not getting on anything steep with the thin snow cover.
I'm concerned about the weakening snow as a future Red Flag. It is also worth noting that many surfaces are covered in surface hoar, potential Red Flag #2. There will most likely be significant hazard after the next storm cycle.

This is a test of the new "Pro Observer" form for the PAC. Great Job!

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Temperature:
Cold
Wind:
Light , NW

Cold day, light winds w/o transport.

Snowpack Observations

Snow surface consisted of weakened, wind affected snow which might have been stiff a few days ago. Snow surface showed signs of wind activity but has broken down over the last few days.
At this point I think the weak snow is a potential future hazard and is a far bigger concern than current conditions.

HS is approx. 22"

Results of hand pit.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Wind Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Layer Depth/Date: 10"
Weakened, wind affected snow which might have been stiff a few days ago. One quick hand pit at 7,300' WNW aspect had the following results: Hand ECTP 20 Q2+ A stubborn hand shear on a column both failed at about 10" depth on fine grained, sub-millimeter faces which are facing up in the block in the photo above. On a steep slope I would treat this as a Moderate Hazard.

I would add that most surfaces are covered in surface hoar. I see this as a future red flag.

Terrain Use

Skied low angle terrain cautiously due to the thin cover and potential for booby traps.

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