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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 17, 2022
Submitted:
January 17, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - Jeff Carty
Zone or Region:
Central Bitterroots
Location:
Rocky Point

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Very Good
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Worsening

Bottom Line

Warm temperatures led to further consolidation of the snowpack.
Ski penetration was 2 inches, skiing was good, but not deep.
Southerly aspects have a melt freeze crust. Northerly aspects are dry and dense.
We did not find any worrisome surface hoar.
We had no test results of note. We found a very stable snowpack.
Instabilities will be isolated to the new snow arriving tonight.

Media

Wind buffed, sun warmed, and tree bombed snow surfaces at Rocky Point, 7400'.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Temperature:
40ºF (4ºC)
Wind:
Moderate , W

An inversion today warmed upper elevations. Solar aspects were moist to 7500'. Clouds increased throughout the afternoon, winds rose to moderate out of the southwest. Temperatures dropped to below freezing by 4:00pm.

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