Avalanche

Peak 9793

Nick ZelayaSawtooth & Western Smoky Mtns
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Quick report

Collapsing
Observed

It was an incredibly warm day with temperatures reaching into the 40s even at 9000'.  Several small D1 Wet Loose avalanches were visible on slopes facing South to Southeast and near steep rocky terrain. Any aspect with a south-facing component had a 1 to 5cm temperature/solar crust. The heat affected the snow all the way up to 9200', where I traveled today. From a ride quality, this crust was manageable given the timing of your trip. The effects of recent winds could be seen in the loading on mid-slopes in the area and along ridge lines. North-facing slopes along the ridge I traveled had significant wind loading in the start zones.

Several D1 Wet Loose avalanches were observed on slopes facing South to Southeast near steep rocky terrain. There was localized collapsing in heavy wind-affected areas along the ridge above 9500' where I traveled today.

Weather

Air Temp
40-45
Cloud Cover
clear
Wind Loading
previous
Snow Avail For Transport
small smounts

Today was incredibly warm, with temperatures reaching into the 40s F and no wind throughout the day.

Snowpack

Surface hoar down low in flat and on gentlier wind protected slopes below 7500'. Slopes with south-facing attributes had a 1-5 cm temperature/solar crust that was manageable while temperatures were warm. However, once the sun began to set this slopes became challenging. The heat affected the surface snow up to about 9200' where I traveled.

Avalanche

Several D1 Wet Loose avalanches were visible on South to Southeast aspects near the steep rocky terrain.