If I am going to do just one test, I do an extended column test (ECT). It gives me some information on the strength of a weak layer, but most importantly, the likelihood of propagation. It is a simple test. A column 30cm (12”) by 90cm (36”) is...
What is SWE? SWE stands for Snow Water Equivalent. What it measures is the amount of liquid water in the snow. If you took a height of snow and melted it, the height of the water created is SWE. For example, if 10″ of snow falls at 10% density,...
This month’s snowpack update comes as we transition from winter to spring. As of March 22, the Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) totals in west central Montana are just above average (Figure 1). After a month of small storms and average temperatures, our primary avalanche concerns are focused on...
Snowpack Discussion The snowpack continues to evolve in West Central Montana. In late January, our primary avalanche concern was persistent slab avalanches failing on facets at the bottom of the snowpack. During this time period, several natural persistent slab avalanches failed near the ground. Although the exact timing remains...
Avalanche conditions from January 11th until January 24th have been at considerable danger, trending towards moderate danger. We are currently most concerned with persistent weak layers, failing near the ground on depth hoar and facets. The second problematic persistent weak layer is a combination buried surface hoar, near-surface facets, and crusts. This weak layer is found at different...
1-10-20 Snowpack Update After the winter solstice, we got a small snowstorm that deposited a few inches of snow and a crust layer on the top of the snowpack. Before the New Year storm cycle, we developed a surface hoar, crust, near-surface combo, which has been the cause of...
Snowpack Summary 24/12/2019 What to say about this season’s snowpack? It’s the focus of many conversations I’m having recently, mostly about when we are going to get one. From a ski and snowboard perspective, it’s a bit grim, high snow line, lots of exposed hazards, poor snowpack structure with...
WCMAC forecasters are in the field analyzing how recent storm snow is gaining strength, tracking where the wind is drifting snow and keeping a close eye on buried persistent weak layers. This Thursday 1/10/19 from 6 – 8 PM at Big Sky Brewing, they will return from a day in...
Education | Fundraising | General | Snowpack | Weather
Avalanche forecasters play a critical role in protecting the public and raising avalanche awareness by communicating the potential for avalanches to cause harm or injury to backcountry travelers. West Central Montana Avalanche Center (WCMAC) forecasters work to keep you informed of the danger avalanches pose by gathering as much information as possible from...
Generating backcountry travel plans without avalanche center forecast information requires knowledge of weather events. Review snotel data for current snow totals and weather station data for temperatures, wind trends, and speeds. With these tools, you can get an idea of the avalanche problems you could encounter on your trip and choose appropriate terrain...
Education | Fundraising | Snowpack | Weather
This Thursday evening, February 22nd from 6-8 pm, Big Sky Brewing will be hosting our Beers With Your Avalanche Forecaster finale! In an ongoing effort to help us make the Montana backcountry a safer place, Big Sky Brewing is donating event proceeds to the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation....
Many avalanche victims don’t know they are in avalanche danger and are unprepared to deal with an avalanche. This doesn’t have to happen – the danger signs are usually obvious to those who know what to look for. Just as those in Hawaii learn about the dangers of rip...
Education | Fundraising | General | Mechanized | Snowpack | Weather
It’s winter in western Montana and we’re headed into the backcountry. In an effort to make Montana’s winter playground a safer place, Big Sky Brewing is hosting Beers With Your Forecaster. This event is a great opportunity to gain insight on current snow conditions and learn about what goes into generating...
In conjunction with UM Campus Recreation, the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation is hosting a free two-part Mountain Weather lecture series. Featuring guest speaker, LeeAnn Allegretto, NOAA Meteorologist and Avalanche Program Leader from the National Weather Service. Both sections are open to the public and will be held in the...
Education | General | Mechanized | Snowpack | Weather
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Here is a great article on the Black Diamond Site that talks about the uses of snow pack tests to see how sensitive a persistent weak layer is. Here is the link We are having a free Avalanche Awareness Class Tonight 600 pm at North Underground Urey Lecture Hall...
Yesterday, two skiers were caught in an avalanche near Stonewall Mountain by Lincoln, Montana outside of our advisory area. One skier was partially buried while the other was caught in the trees. Lewis and Clark SAR were called and assisted with the rescue. We will update with more information...
