Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
November 13, 2022 - November 13, 2022Submitted:
November 14, 2022Observer:
ProZone or Region:
Boulder/Jughandle AreaLocation:
7,300 West facingSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
GoodConfidence in Rating:
HighStability Trend:
SteadyBottom 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 SunnyTemperature:
ColdWind:
Light , NWCold 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"
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Slab
|
|
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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