Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
February 9, 2022 - February 9, 2022Submitted:
February 9, 2022Observer:
WCMAC - Ryan SorensonZone or Region:
Seeley SwanLocation:
Lodge Pole CreekSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
PoorConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
WorseningBottom Line
Our main concern was wet avalanche problems. Temperatures are elevated, and snow is melting. We chose to in simple terrain because we were new to the area. Observing a recent large loose wet avalanche (L-N-R2-D2) on the snowmobile road to Lodge Pole Creek trailhead confirmed this plan.
• Snow surfaces were sticky and moist below 6,000 feet.
• Strong previous winds have built large cornices above northeast aspects.
• The temperatures at a pit we dug on a north aspect near 6,200 feet was 37°F (3°C) at 2:00 p.m.
Media
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly CloudyTemperature:
37°F (3°C)Wind:
Light , SWIt was raining until we reached the trail head (10 a.m.). Broken skies were holding in lots of heat after that.
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Comments | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Past 48 hours |
3.3 miles from Monture Guard Station S 4300 |
D2 | WL | G-Ground |
N-Natural u-Unintentional |
Large loose wet avalanche that slid on steep 40 degree terrain under steep cliffs near 4300 feet. It ran approximately 300 feet starting around 4,600 feet elevation. Burnt trees up 10 inches in diameter were pushed over. An inch of recent snow covered the debris. |
|
Snowpack Observations
We dug a pit on a north aspect at 6,200 feet. 20cm of moist, clumped, rounded snow sits over dryer layers. Rounding facets were found between mid-January crusts. No notable test results were observed.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wet Loose
|
|
Unknown |