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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 16, 2022 - January 16, 2022
Submitted:
January 17, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - Jane Quinn and Trask Baughman
Zone or Region:
Central Bitterroots
Location:
Mt. Fuji, Lolo Pass

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
Buried surface hoar, as well as widespread surface hoar sitting atop a melt-freeze crust

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

Conditions remain good and snow ski quality was better yesterday than Saturday on northerly aspects. We DID find a layer of buried surface hoar down about 8 cm (3") from the snow surface which we will have to monitor when it gets loaded with more snow. There currently is also widespread surface hoar sitting on top of a melt-freeze crust.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Cloudy
Temperature:
30 F
Wind:
Calm , SW

Another beautiful, warm and calm day! Temps rose above 30 and we were able to produce roller balls and pinwheels from wet surface snow.

Snowpack Observations

We were able to initiate fractures on a thin layer of buried near surface facets 40 - 45 cms from the snow surface but not propagation in our extended column tests. Same for the buried surface hoar (see attached image).

Avalanche Problems

Keep an eye on layer of buried surface hoar

Terrain Use

We felt confident with stability to step into terrain greater than 30 degrees, but did not commit ourselves to anything that could increase our consequences (avoiding terrain traps).

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