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Missoula Avalanche

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 29, 2021
Submitted:
December 29, 2021
Observer:
WCMAC - Trask Baughman
Zone or Region:
Rattlesnake
Location:
Snowbowl backcountry in the Rattlesnake Wilderness

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Widespread
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Fair
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Worsening

Bottom Line

Today we toured outside of Snowbowl ski area in the Rattlesnake Wilderness, we rapidly stepped back in our decision making and chose more conservative terrain due to observations made.
We observed:
• Shooting cracks on the east and north aspects, in both wind-loaded and protected trees
• A small possible natural avalanche on a north accept, 7800ft., R1-D1.5, approximately 2-3 feet in depth and 50 feet wide
• Propagation in extended column tests.
• Sudden planar breaks in column tests.
• Faceting throughout the snow back in locations with less than 40 inches (100cm) of snowpack

Media

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Wind:
Moderate , SW

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
1 Within the past week North of point 6
NE 7800
D1.5 U 2 feet U-Unknown None

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Wind Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
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