Observation: Avalanche Professional

All Observations

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
November 27, 2022
Submitted:
November 27, 2022
Observer:
Avalanche Professional - Zack Wentz
Zone or Region:
West South
Location:
Crystal Backcountry - Lower Silver Basin (NE-NE, 4288’-6000’)

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Media/Attachments

Snow profile & test results for a sheltered open area at tree line in lower Silver King basin.
Wind affected snow on the edge of the Quicksilver up track.
Looking down the lower Silver Basin on the line that we rode.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Wind:
Light , W
New/Recent Snowfall:
20-30cms HST

Cold & stormy all day. AM & PM precip consistent at S1 (1cm/hr). Mod, gusting strong winds in AM w/ mod. blowing snow; decreasing to light, gusting mod. winds with light blowing snow in PM all from the WSW. Foot pen: 35cms.

No new avalanches observed

Snowpack Observations

Snowpack Summary:

BTL: 15-40cms of new light HST sits above the ground. In many places still below threshold for both avalanches and skiing.

TL: Above 5200’, snowpack depth increases exponentially. HS at 5200’: 60cms in open areas. HS @ 5800’: 116cms. Surface condition is a mixture of new snow and wind deposited snow in exposed areas sitting above the 11/25 rain crust, which is supportive to skis and strong. New HST above the 11/25 rain crust ranged between 10-35cms, with increasing depth at higher elevation.

ATL: Not observed

For detailed point observation, see attached profile in photos.

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: 10-30cms
Comments: Failing easy (CTE3 SP) in snowpack tests, though without propagation potential (ECTN 12).
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