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Missoula Avalanche

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 23, 2022
Submitted:
January 24, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - George D'Angelo
Zone or Region:
Southern Bitterroots
Location:
West Fk Camp Cr.

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

Generally a rightside up snowpack. Small windslabs at upper elevations were the primary problem today. Moderate west winds were actively transporting snow. A 3.5-4.5 ft deep slab problem persists in the middle and upper elevations on NW-E aspects with tests showing the weak depth hoar near the ground slow to gain strength. Triggering this deeply buried weak layer in a shallow and/or rocky area could result in a very large and destructive avalanche. Widespread surface hoar development on most aspects with strong solar radiation affecting surfaces of S-SW aspects.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Temperature:
30*F
Wind:
Moderate , W

It was the warmest day so far after the last storm. Plenty of snow was being transported today at ridgelines in the middle and upper elevations

Snowpack Observations

We were getting some Resistant Planar fractures on 3mm buried surface hoar about 25cm down in our compression tests on a N aspect. PST 55/140 end on rounding depth hoar.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Wind Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy

Terrain Use

We skied soft, low angle terrain

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