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Missoula Avalanche

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 27, 2021
Submitted:
December 27, 2021
Observer:
WCMAC - Trask Baughman
Zone or Region:
Central Bitterroots
Location:
Gash

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Fair
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

Today we toured up “Mini Gash.” We dug along the ridge in several locations, general finding no significant instabilities. We did find a thin layer of near-surface facets producing clean planar breaks, 6inches (16cm) to 12 inches (32cm) down.
We triggered a soft slab on a slope 35 to 40 degrees steep through open trees on the descent. The crown was 6 inches in depth and 30 feet wide. The slide was of relatively low consequence, but the destructive size will quickly grow with additional loading from wind or snow. We suspect near-surface facets to be the weak layer in this avalanche.

Media

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Temperature:
13 to 16 fahrenheit at the trailehead
Wind:
Calm

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
1 Today Steep trees below Gash
NE 7800
D1 SS S-New Snow 6 inches AR-Snowboarder
c-Intentional
None

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Persistent Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
Layer Depth/Date: 6 to 12 inches down (16 to 32cm)
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