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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 12, 2022
Submitted:
January 12, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - Trask Baughman
Zone or Region:
Central Bitterroots
Location:
Ward Mountain

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Rollerballs and pinwheels were observed from 5800ft to 6200ft

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

Today, we toured Ward Moutain from 4200 ft to 8500 ft along the summer trail. We chose to ski simple low-angle terrain due to rapid thawing. Below 6000ft, the snow was extremely sticky, and it was easy to punch through to the ground. Above 6000ft, the skiing improved but remained moist and above freezing.

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Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Cloudy
Temperature:
40F to 45f at 4200 feet
Wind:
Strong , NE

Strong ridge top winds out of the NE led us to turn around before the summit.

Snowpack Observations

At 8500 ft, east facing, we found a uniform snowpack in the top 4 feet (120cm) with no instabilities in tests. The top 2.5 inches (6cm) were wet, easily making a snowball, the snow below remained dry below.

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