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Missoula Avalanche

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 1, 2021 - December 1, 2021
Submitted:
December 1, 2021
Observer:
WCMAC - Jeff Carty
Zone or Region:
Seeley Swan
Location:
Pyramid Pass

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
No unstable snow was observed. The snowpack is saturated, shallow, and spotty. Where enough snow exists for skiing it is possible to trigger full-depth wet slides. The likelihood will increase with rain.

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

There was no possibility of skiing on Pyramid today. The south-facing bowls had far too little snow, the east face looked more filled in, but barely. We left skis in the truck and walked in sneakers. We were able to walk to Pyramid Pass. It was 45º at 7000' and it is safe to say that the temperature on all surrounding peaks was above freezing and the snowpack was saturated to the ground. With temperatures remaining elevated through Friday the snowpack will shrink considerably.

Media

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Temperature:
45º
Wind:
Strong , SW

Warm weather, and strong winds are rapidly shrinking what little snowpack there is.

Snowpack Observations

The snowline was around 6000 feet, but but was very shallow and spotty. At 7000' the snowpack was about 18" deep, saturated to ground and melting quickly.

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