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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 10, 2023 - January 10, 2023
Submitted:
January 10, 2023
Observer:
Pro
Zone or Region:
Big Creek Summit
Location:
North side of road

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
Isolated
Widespread natural cycle from 1/9 on middle elevation nw-ne aspects on buried surface hoar.

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Poor
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

Widespread natural cycle on middle elevation north facing buried surface hoar. New snow from 1/9 was punchy and upside down. Did not observe wind slabs along ridges and instabilities seemed confined to mid elevation north aspects where surface hoar had been preserved. This layer has the potential to be a Persistent Weak Layer.

Media

Triggered from ridge.
Ski cut triggered crown line.
Many pockets cracking but not sliding.
Natural crown from 1/9

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Temperature:
28
Wind:
Calm , SW

Clear skies in the morning gave way to overcast clouds mid morning preserving the solar aspects from forming a temperature crust.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
1 Today Middle elevation
N 7200’ 		D1.5 SS I-New/Old Interface 1 foot N-Natural Natural cycle in mid elevation from intense snowfall on 1/9 afternoon
Natural cycle from 1/9
1 Today Middle elevation
N 7300’ 		D1 SS I-New/Old Interface 1 foot N-Natural
Natural cycle from 1/9
2 Today
N 7100’ 		D1 SS I-New/Old Interface N-Natural
Natural cycle 1/9

Middle elevation north aspects with buried surface hoar.

Snowpack Observations

Did not dig a pit. All instabilities were related to new snow from 1/9.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Storm Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 Layer Depth/Date: 12 inches
Very touchy conditions. Remotely triggered from above at one point.

Terrain Use

Skinning up the south aspect, we did not have any collapsing but noticed the punchy snow. Scanning the upper elevation slopes, we did not see any signs of avalanches or much wind affected terrain. Ski cuts in mid elevation north aspects produced predictable storm slab avalanches on steeper roll overs. We noticed a widespread natural cycle in wind sheltered terrain that held buried surface hoar. Skinning back out, we remotely triggered more slides and used micro terrain features to safely return to the ridge and off the north aspect. Quality surfy skiing on a southern aspects.

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