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Missoula Avalanche

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 2, 2022
Submitted:
January 2, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - Trask Baughman
Zone or Region:
Central Bitterroots
Location:
Rocky Point above the Brushy Fork

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 road sleds up the Brushy fork to ski Rocky Point. On our tour and ski of Rocky Point, the winds out of the south and southwest formed large cornices to the east and north. We had shooting cracks in areas open and exposed to wind drifting. We triggered a small wind slab well below the ridge on the descent. This was a good reminder that wind slabs can be unpredictable, especially in open terrain like old burns. We chose to ski and travel in areas free of overhead hazards like cornices and kept our slopes below 35°.

Media

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Wind:
Moderate , SW

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
1 Today Rocky Point above the Brushy Fork
N 7000ft
D1 HS 1 foot AR-Snowboarder
u-Unintentional
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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