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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 10, 2023 - March 10, 2023
Submitted:
March 10, 2023
Observer:
Pro
Zone or Region:
Other
Location:
McCall City Limits

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Widespread
Collapsing? 
Widespread
Inverted snow with widespread cracking on a density inversion while shoveling this morning.

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

Widespread cracking and slab formation on a density inversion this morning. As a wise old GOAT (Tom Kimbrough) once told said, "beware when you start seeing this stuff down in the valley" (note family friendly version of quote...)

As the president of a HOA in McCall, I've ordered an avalanche warning for my 'hood, please keep all Chihuahuas indoors....

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Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured

Puking....

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
1 Today McCall
E 5020 		D1 SS S-New Snow 3" AF-Foot
u-Unintentional 		Trigger is shoveling... More like a D 0.1 in size.
2 Today McCall
N 5020 		D1 SS S-New Snow 3" AF-Foot
c-Intentional 		Triggered with shovel. More like D 0.1 in size.

I think it's important to note the density inversion.

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: Dependent on the amount of snow we get.
Based on what I saw this morning while shoveling and having skied most days this week, My concern is the load of new denser snow sitting on top of this weeks dry light snow.

See cracking in storm slab while shoveling below.

Terrain Use

I didn't avoid shoveling anywhere around my house. But, I might keep our short dogs off of the big plow piles...

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