Winter storm warning

Observation Date:

January 26, 2023 - January 26, 2023 

Submitted:

January 27, 2023 

Observer:

RRS - Kevin Allred 

Zone or Region:

Island Park 

Location:

Mount Two Top (NNE 7680')

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 

 None Observed 

Cracking? 

 None Experienced 

Collapsing? 

 None Experienced 

We Traveled to the Two Top area. Due to low visibility and new drifting snow Our snow pit location was in a lower tree covered elevation. We observed a surprisingly strong snowpack void of the obvious buried SH layers we found higher. With new snow available for transport and strong SW winds we observed wind loading on NNE aspects in the area. 

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 

Good 

Confidence in Rating: 

 Moderate 

Stability Trend: 

Worsening 

Bottom Line

The Buried SH layers are still present especially in higher elevation open slope areas. With the arrival of new snow, accompanied by strong winds the potential to form a wind slab over a PWL (Buried SH) could have serious consequence to riders in this area.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:

Obscured 

Temperature:

15° 

Wind:

Strong , SW 

New/Recent Snowfall:

1 inch of new snow reported from the previous night. 

Winter storm warning had been issued for the area. 18'' of new snow in higher elevations followed by strong winds. We observed new snow available for transport at all elevations 

Avalanche Observations

Avalanche Observation Comments:

None observed

Snowpack Observations

NNE aspect 7680' HS 175cm CTN

Avalanche Problems

Heightened awareness of increasing avalanche danger with the arrival of this storm.

Terrain Use

Our travel mindset for the day, to not travel in avalanche terrain over 30°.Due to low visibility, blowing and drifting snow our travel plan was impacted and our route was shortened. I learned later of 2 riders in the Keg springs area that dropped into Carrot canyon unable to get out due to a damaged Snowmobile they where rescued by Clark county SAR 03:30 this morning. All where cold tired but SAFE! A big thanks to Clark County SAR A reminder of the dangers of back country travel