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Missoula Avalanche

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 20, 2021
Submitted:
December 20, 2021
Observer:
WCMAC - Jeff Carty
Zone or Region:
Other
Location:
Lolo Pass, Elk Meadows

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Worsening

Media

Heavy snowfall all day in the Lolo Pass area. 12/20/2021

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured
Temperature:
25º F (-4ºC)
Wind:
Calm

Steady snow all day long, between 1/2 and 1 inch per hour. 12" overnight. No wind during the day. Temperature was 30º F (-1ºC) at 5200', 25ºF (-4ºC) at 7000' Wind was starting to blow, light to moderate from the west, at 5:30 PM.

Snowpack Observations

Steady snowfall, no wind and mild temperatures mean that the new snow was bonding well in this area today. No discernable layers in the upper 48" (120cm) of snowpack. No test results of note.
57" (145cm) snowpack at 6000', 67" (170cm) snowpack at 7000'.
Ski penetration was up to 18" (45cm) meaning lots of snow for wind transport.
It won't take much wind to transport the new snow.
Any windslab that builds on the low density new snow will be very reactive.

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