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Missoula Avalanche

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 12, 2022
Submitted:
January 12, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - Ryan Sorenson
Zone or Region:
Central Bitterroots
Location:
Lost Horse

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Bottom 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 Cloudy
Temperature:
35°F (1.6°C)
Wind:
Light , W

Roads 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
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