Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 12, 2022Submitted:
January 12, 2022Observer:
WCMAC - Ryan SorensonZone or Region:
Central BitterrootsLocation:
Lost HorseSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedBottom Line
We experienced above freezing temperatures rain and sometimes wet snow as we traveled up Lost Horse.
• We observed small wet point releases on south-facing aspects of the Ohio slide, glide avalanches on the rocky north-facing aspect, and a wet slab on a northeast aspect at 6,000 feet.
• Denser wet snow (4F+) on top of various lower density snow (4F to F) on the east aspect.
• Thin facets at the ground were rounded, moist and unreactive in stability tests.
• Lots of wet sticky snow below 7,000 feet.
Media
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly CloudyTemperature:
35°F (1.6°C)Wind:
Light , WRoads were slick leaving Missoula as freezing rain coated everything. It turned to rain as we made our way up to Lost Horse Creek. It was 39°F at 3,100 feet where we left the truck. We experienced brief rain and sometimes snow (R1,S-1) below 6,000 feet. The temperature was 35°F at 7,000 feet where we dug our pit.
Avalanche Observations
| # | Date | Location | Size | Type | Bed Sfc | Depth | Trigger | Comments | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Today |
Lost Horse Canyon NE 6,000 |
D1 | WS | N-Natural | Unknown wet slab low visibility limited details. | None | ||
| 1 | Today |
Lost Horse Canyon N 6,200 |
D1 | U | N-Natural | Glide avalanche on steep rock lined area | None |