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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
November 25, 2022
Submitted:
November 25, 2022
Observer:
PAC - George Halcom
Zone or Region:
Brundage Out of Bounds
Location:
SGT's North of Brundage Mtn

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Shallow localized minor wind slabs developing

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Fair
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Worsening

Bottom Line

Our shallow early-season snowpack might make people from Colorado feel at home except for the unique abundance of lots of
Idaho obstacles like bushes, rocks, and Logs. There are a few layers of facets or sugary rot, but despite the poor structure, the travel is fair. Coverage will dictate your route...Ski penetration was only 10cm. Boot penetration varied from a foot down where a denser layer is supporting weight for travel to the ground or rocks. West and South aspects right now at upper elevations have been stripped of snow from the sun and wind are shallow and thus more rotten.

Moderate test results now, but danger will rise with more snow this week.

Media

SW aspects were very shallow and had a surface of firm corn snow on the top and facets at the bottom
Skis didn't sink deep, 10 cm ski penetration, due to a more dense layer in the middle of the snowpack
Shallow West aspect of Sgts with basal facets
shallow snow North of Brundage resort with lots of obstacles just below 7,000 feet

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Wind:
Moderate , SW

Winds today out of the SW were moderate to strong at times and formed small slabs on the surface. Some minor snow for transport in places that have not been sun affected.

Avalanche Observations

None observed

Snowpack Observations

Facets or sugary rot within our snowpack is going to be the contributor to our first real avalanche cycle next week with more snow, but despite the poor structure the travel is fair. Ski penetration was only 10cm. Boot penetration varied from a foot down from the surface where a denser layer is supporting weight for travel.

Moderate test results now, more snow this week will spice up the danger of not only hitting buried treasure but also triggering an avalanche.

Terrain Use

Travel is good on the surface with ski penetration only 10cm, but route finding can be difficult as the depth is variable or shallow to non-existent. Rocky terrain is so faceted that the skin track and pole plants would disappear to the bottom:)

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