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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 15, 2023 - December 15, 2023
Submitted:
December 15, 2023
Observer:
Pro
Zone or Region:
Big Creek Summit
Location:
Big creek summit north of road

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
None

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

Thin but supportive 2-3 feet. Poor snow structure and low tide conditions kept me out of avalanche terrain. Stayed on ridge tops and low angle shaded slopes. Concerning setup for when we get more snow.

Media

Wet basal facets in snow pit on SW aspect in afternoon.
Early season conditions with many obstacles still.
Surface snow on north aspect weakening.
Small solar induced roller balls.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Partly Cloudy
Temperature:
35
Wind:
Calm , S

Nice day above the inversion with sun breaks and cloud cover. Cold enough in shade for surface to be preserved and warm enough in the solar aspects for dampening on snow surface in afternoon.

Avalanche Observations

Did not see any signs of old avalanches, hear any collapsing, notice any wind affect/cracking.

Snowpack Observations

Dug 2 pits-1st one on NW aspect at 7700’. Total snow 75-80cms. Poor structure with old November snow facets/sugary at base. CT 13 at facets at base. Rain crust at 50 cms problematic moving forward.

2nd pit on SW aspect at 7470’. Total snow 55cms, wet basal facets could make a snowball with, CT 21 at 30 cms below the rain crust.

Poor structure on north aspect pit.
Snow pit photo of SW aspect.

Avalanche Problems

Mainly poor structure/low tide problem.

Terrain Use

I stuck to ridge tops and low angle shady slopes. Early season for me is about gathering information and getting the body strong for when it’s “on” in the middle of January. “Contain the stoke” will be the mantra for a bit.

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