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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 7, 2022 - January 7, 2022
Submitted:
January 7, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - Todd Glew
Zone or Region:
Rattlesnake
Location:
Blue Point

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
Isolated
We experienced isolated cracking and collapsing in areas with a thinner snowpack (less than 3 feet deep) between 5500' and 6300.'

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Fair
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

Travel was from the base of Marshall Mountain 3950' to the top of Blue Point at 7000.' Trail breaking was difficult today because the new snow was not yet consolidated.
Observations made were:
- Several feet of unconsolidated new snow above 5500.'
- Isolated cracking and collapsing between 5500' and 6300.'
- Above 6300' we found no instabilities in snow pits.

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Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured
Temperature:
28
Wind:
Moderate , SW

At 6800' it was 28ºF(-2ºC) at 1:30 PM. At 3950' it was 36ºF(2ºC) at 3:00 PM. Winds were moderate out of the SW. There were scattered snow showers today with minimal accumulation.

Snowpack Observations

Between 5500' and 6300,' we found well-developed facets/depth hoar below the new snow from the past week or so. The new snow has not had time to consolidate into a slab yet. Once the new snow consolidates or is wind-loaded, slab avalanches will be a concern between 5500' and 6300'.
Above 6300', we found several feet of new unconsolidated snow. We performed several stability tests on multiple aspects. All of our stability tests yielded no results.

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