Observation Date: 03/06/2014

Route/Location:
Touring above Downing Mountain Lodge in Bitterroot. The east facing avalanche path seen from town.

Weather:
Sunny, warm, with periods of heavy snow down to 5000′.

Wind:
Ridge top wind loading was evident. Winds out of the SW.

New Snow: 3-6″

Snow Density:

Avalanche Activity:
No avalanche evidence. The crowns from Mondays slides are now covered.

Observed Danger Rating:

Other Comments:
Yesterdays snow line seemed to be about 6000′ with noticeable accumulation and relatively cooler temps above 7000′. Today there were flurries down to 5000′ although the thermometer at that elevation still read 34 deg at 2pm. There is now about 15″ of heavy, high water content snow in the upper mountains form the last four days. A lot of new weight on the snow pack, although structure seems OK with no obvious weak layers found in my hasty tests. Continued wind loading of N NE aspects were my main concern today.

Observer: Blake Votilla