Observation Date: 02/16/2014

Route/Location:
Skiing the south ridge from summit, down into the east facing glades below the main bowl at Little St Joe Bitterroots.

Weather:
Heavy snow at times, windy, no sun. 6″ overnight and another 6″ during the day. Stayed below freezing, no crust above ~6500′

Wind:
Strong wind (40mph) out of the SW although gusts were observed from all directions with cornices at spots indicating wind out of the NE. A lot of moving snow with the wind.

New Snow: 6-12″

Avalanche Activity:
Had a small avalanche release during a ski cut on an east aspect roll over at 7500′ in trees on the storm snow interface. 8″ crown. Shooting cracks were observed at spots while skinning up the ridge on wind slabs.

Other Comments:
Great powder skiing above 6500′

Observer: Blake Votilla