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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 15, 2022 - January 15, 2022
Submitted:
January 17, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - Jane Quinn
Zone or Region:
Central Bitterroots
Location:
Lolo Pass

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Found a layer of buried near surface facets down 40 - 45 cms from the snow surface

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

The snowpack seems to be setting up nicely! It's right-side-up not showing any alarming signs of weakness.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Cloudy
Temperature:
3 Celsius
Wind:
Light , SW

No new snow, temps up to 4 degrees celsius, winds were calm to light from the southwest with very little snow available for transport since the snow surface was in a cycle of melt-freeze with two small crusts at/near the surface.

Snowpack Observations

Compression tests revealed a layer of buried near surface facets that we were able to repeatedly initiate. However, no propagation during our series of extended column tests.

Avalanche Problems

Wet loose. We noticed some pinwheels and roller balls on steeper terrain.

Terrain Use

We were in a class setting so objectives were focused on course outcomes and not skiing.

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