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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 16, 2023 - March 16, 2023
Submitted:
March 16, 2023
Observer:
Pro
Zone or Region:
Lick Creek Area
Location:
Sawtooth/snowslide

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

Got a closer look at the aftermath of Tuesday night’s storm. Every aspect had avalanches on it, mid slope, in trees, this storm didn’t discriminate. Snow had settled from Wednesday and travel was easier and more supportive. Warm sun had us skiing a west aspect and exiting at 1:30 pm. And of note, we had already see wet loose on a west aspect by 1:30. Forecast for the day was spot on in this area.

Media

Surface hoar development in shady aspects.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
10-28 degrees
Wind:
Light , E

Cold start to the morning. Wind was chilly, but once out of the wind in the sun, things were heating up quickly. This was at 1:00 pm.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
1 Past 48 hours North side of snow slide
N 8300’ 		D1.5 SS I-New/Old Interface 1 foot N-Natural
Snowslide post 3/14/23 event.
2 Past 48 hours
E 7600’ 		D1.5 SS I-New/Old Interface N-Natural
3 Past 48 hours East side sawtooth
E 8400’ 		D2 SS I-New/Old Interface 1-2 feet N-Natural
Notice the large piles of debris in the flats.
4 Past 48 hours
W 7500’ 		D2 HS 1 foot N-Natural
5 Past 48 hours
W 8200’ 		D2.5 SS
6 Today
W 5700’ 		D1 WL N-Natural Wet loose releasing by 1:30 pm
Wet loose released by 1;30 pm.

Terrain Use

We stayed off of wind affected terrain, in the shade, and felt comfortable skiing in avalanche terrain that had ran during Tuesdays storm. We exited early afternoon to minimize afternoon warming hazard.

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