Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 7, 2022Submitted:
January 7, 2022Observer:
WCMAC - Ryan SorensonZone or Region:
Central BitterrootsLocation:
Lolo PassSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
IsolatedBottom Line
Today we toured on low-angle terrain near Lolo pass in the central Bitterroot. We observed all five red flags of avalanche danger, including:
• Many recent avalanches on road cuts (D1 to D1.5).
• Rapid loading from new snow. Snow squalls were moving in and out, snowing approximately 1 inch per hour.
• Warming, temperatures from the Lolo Snowtel recorded 19° F at 10 am yesterday (01/06/2022) and 33° F at 10 am today (01/07/2022).
• Collapsing and cracking were observed on small test slopes, and we had easy propagation in column tests.
• Winds were light with strong gusts out of the northwest loading southeasterly.
Media
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
OvercastTemperature:
31Wind:
Moderate , NWIt was raining below 4,500 feet. At the pass, snow squalls were moving in and out, snowing approximately 1 inch per hour. One minute it was graupel, then another squall would bring big wet snowflakes. Light winds with strong gusts out of the northwest would accompany the squalls, followed by brief periods of calm.
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