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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 11, 2023
Submitted:
January 11, 2023
Observer:
Pro
Zone or Region:
Big Creek Summit
Location:
Big Creek North Facing

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Widespread
Collapsing? 
Isolated
Wild day, 50' shooting cracks every step while breaking trail on north exposures! On slopes between 20 and 28 degrees, the snow would crack and shift. I think if the slope was 5 degrees steeper (e.g. 33 or so) there would have been widespread avalanches. More cracking then I have seen in years,

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Very Poor
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Improving

Bottom Line

The good new is that the snow instabilities are obvious and in your face...The bad news is that we have obvious instabilities. The most unstable snow I have seen in my 5 years in Idaho. I was traveling in High hazard mode, avoiding any slope of 30 degrees or more. Avalanches would have been likely if the slopes I were traveling on were a bit steeper. This is consistent with an Observation from yesterday in this area.

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Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured
Wind:
Light

A quick flash of mist about 1pm created a damp snow surface on north aspects.

Avalanche Observations

Numerous small (D 0.5 to 1) avalanches on road cuts and slopes visible from the road. I am not sure if some of these were sympathetic to plowing. Some were far enough from the road as to not be related to plowing. Some over 100' wide and up to 10" deep.

Snowpack Observations

Overall a very unstable snow pack in this area. Mostly due to surface hoar below the Sunday/Monday snow events that have a combine HST of 8" or so.

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: 8-10"
Very sensitive day, cracking literally every step of the way while breaking and most turns while skiing. This should settle out a bit, but may become a PWL. Something to watch for a while. South aspects not as touchy but still a bit of cracking.

Scary but fascinating in a snow nerd way! Would have been a perfect day to teach an avalanche class.

Terrain Use

Low angle below 30 degrees. I think 30 degrees itself would have been creepy.

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