Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Date:

January 21, 2022

Submitted:

January 22, 2022

Observer:

WCMAC - George D'Angelo

Zone or Region:

Central Bitterroots

Location:

Central Bitterroots

Recent Avalanches?

None Observed

Cracking?

Isolated

Collapsing?

None Experienced

Stability Rating:

Good

Confidence in Rating:

High

Stability Trend:

Steady

We found a generally right-side-up snowpack with small wind slabs at treeline and above in specific areas in the Central Bitterroots. There was crusty and moist snow below about 6000ft. From 6000 to 7500ft 2 breakable crusts, a thin crust an inch down and a more substantial one 6 in down. The crusts got less noticeable as we climbed in elevation, and there's about 1-6" of new snow on the top . Above 7500 feet there was about 6-8" of new snow with no noticeable crusts below, which made for good riding in less wind-affected areas.

Advanced Information

Cloud Cover:

Overcast

Temperature:

28F

Wind:

Light , W

We saw evidence of light blowing snow but little evidence of windslab formation below treeline. Temps were cooler today and are forecast to warm over the weekend.

We dug two pits around 8000ft on both SE and NE aspects. We found evidence of a weak layer of decomposing fragments of old stellar dendrites about 2mm in size about 1ft below the surface in both pits. Our results from our Extended Column Tests did not indicate propagation of a fracture to be likely in this layer. Future settlement of the upper pack with warmer temperatures could make this layer more reactive over the weekend.

Problem	Location	Distribution	Sensitivity	Size	Comments
Wind Slab	N E S W	Isolated Specific Widespread	Unreactive Stubborn Reactive Touchy	D1 D1.5 D2 D2.5 D3 D3.5 D4 D4.5 D5	Layer Depth/Date: 8-18"