Close
Payette Avalanche Center

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 15, 2021
Submitted:
December 15, 2021
Zone or Region:
Big Creek Summit
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Big creek summit

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Big creek picked up 3.5 inches of SWE between 12/10 and 12/14 and the snotel now sits at 40 inches total. The AR event came as advertised with a mid storm warm up and cold temperatures to finish.

Signs of settlement around trees (photo 1)

Noticed an old crown line that was reshaped from north winds (photo 2)

Snow was supportive for ski travel, but I sank to my waist when skis were removed.

Dug a pit on an east aspect at 7354’.
130-135 cms total depth
Old snow at 35 cms.
Layer at 70cms.
Ect did not propagate, but did collapse at 24 Taps on the new snow old snow interface. (Photo 4)

I confined my travel to non-avalanche terrain and was happy letting the snowpack heal after the large load this weekend. The snowpack was showing signs of settlement and the coverage is improving, yet it is still early season and many obstacles still exist. Stay safe out there and enjoy the low density snow!

Media

Signs of settlement with the snowpack.
Just to the right of the red line looks to have been an crown from Saturday night that has been reshaped by the north winds.
Snowpit.
ECT, cracked on 24 taps but no propagation
Wind features on north facing terrain from north winds at the end of the storm cycle that ushered in the cold air.
Close