Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 5, 2022Submitted:
January 6, 2022Observer:
WCMAC - George D'AngeloZone or Region:
Southern BitterrootsLocation:
Lost Trail BackcountrySigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
FairConfidence in Rating:
HighStability Trend:
WorseningBottom Line
Found a primarily right-side up snowpack above the faceted layer near the bottom of the snowpack. The cold temps have kept a storm slab from forming so far, but I expect that to change with warming temps and more snowfall Thursday onward. Keep an eye on the warming temps tomorrow (Thursday) and how that will help consolidate the existing light snow into a more cohesive storm slab. Reactive windslabs are present in wind-loaded areas, primarily at and near ridgelines.
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
OvercastTemperature:
11*FWind:
Moderate , WCold temps and moderate westerly winds kept wind slabs actively forming and good surface riding conditions on wind-sheltered slopes.
Snowpack Observations
Height of Snow - ~6' (190cm) NE aspect @ 8000' :Propagation Saw Test PST 55/135 end on Depth Hoar 2- 8mm. Extended Column Test ECTN down 14" on Precipitation Particles (Stellar Dendrites) 2mm. Compression Test Moderate, Sudden Planar down 14" (35cm) on Preserved Precipitation Particles. Compression Test Hard Resistant Planar down 22" (55cm) on Near Surface Facets.
Avalanche Problems
| Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Deep Persistent Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 4-5ft (120-150cm) |
|||
Wind Slab
|
|
Layer Depth/Date: 1-2ft (30-60cm) |
The storm slab problem likely will be here Thursday with warming temps and increasing snowfall.
Terrain Use
We kept it to mellow ~30 degree slopes on any northerly facing terrain and found great surface conditions on all aspects in wind-sheltered terrain.
Close