Observation Date: 12/02/2019

Route/Location:
Central Bitterroot – Gash area to 7800′

Weather:
Moderate upper elevation wind with strong gusts (isolated snow transport and wind loading). Upper elevation temps in the upper 20s. Generally cloudy with some sunbursts and very light snow. Lower cloud ceiling, and potentially more snowfall, deeper and higher in the range.

Wind:

New Snow: 0-3″

Avalanche Activity:
No red flags observed, although visibility limited and conditions not conducive to easy travel for assessment.

Other Comments:
From the Swan to the Bitterroot, the primary avalanche problem seems to be persistent slab where there is enough snow that a sizable slab overlies very loose facets on a prominent crust (likely formed 11/17-18). Otherwise, the most significant objective hazard is thin snowpack coverage and widespread snags lurking just below the snow surface!

See photos for further info.

Observer: Mat Brunton