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Missoula Avalanche

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 21, 2022
Submitted:
January 22, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - Trask Baughman
Zone or Region:
Missions
Location:
6900 ft ridge between Lake Elsina and Lake Dinah

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

Today we road sleds into the east side of the Missions to lake Elsina. We were pleasantly surprised to find great riding on fresh snow.
Observations made:
• 17 inches (45cm) of snow on top of the mid-January crust.
• Strong winds out of the SW on ridge tops
• Isolated pockets of instabilities in storm snow
• Large fresh wind lips and cornices on north and northeast aspects
• Dry loose on several aspects in steep terrain

Media

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Wind:
Strong , SW

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
Dry Loose
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
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