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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 11, 2023 - February 12, 2023
Submitted:
February 13, 2023
Observer:
Pro
Zone or Region:
Lick Creek Area
Location:
MIddle Lick Creek

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
Isolated
1 minor collapse at 8,000 on a wind drifted ridge. A bit of minor sluffing on slopes above 37 degrees or so. My biggest concern is heating on solar spects.

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

Generally stable with the exception of heating on solar aspects. I'm giving solar aspects a wide berth. The lull in activity is a great time to be looking at the snow surface in anticipation of the next storm. I'm giving solar aspects a wide berth when things start heating up.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
warm!
Wind:
Calm

Warm and sunny

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
1 Older than a week West facing 8,200'
W 8,200 		D2 L S-New Snow Unknown N-Natural Natural that likely happened on Sunday or Monday a week ago (2/4) Ran approximately 600' vertically. I would guess storm snow only. Worth noting that folks skied this path a week or so before it ran with only sluffing...
Week old slide

Snowpack Observations

This weekend my primary concern was heating. Aspects with any south were either damp or crusted depending on time of day. On Sunday we planned to ski west aspects with an early exit before heating. We exited at about 1.30 pm after observing some large roller balls starting at 7,500' feet plus in elevation. See photo below. I didn't feel the need to stick around and subject myself to additional objective hazards.

High west aspects were wind damaged in places.

Start of rollerballs

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Wet Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
 I would expect souths being reactive with heating. Both Wet slab and wet loose.

At this point for skiers problems limited to south aspects. I think if I wasn't a gaper sledder who sticks to roads, I would be concerned about steep norths. The most recent activity is less than a week out.

Terrain Use

Stayed of south aspects (bottom 180 degrees of the compass.

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