Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 30, 2022Submitted:
January 30, 2022Observer:
WCMAC - Geoff FastZone or Region:
Southern BitterrootsLocation:
Lost Trail BackcountrySigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
GoodConfidence in Rating:
HighStability Trend:
SteadyBottom Line
Conditions remain mostly stable, as high pressure remains over the Bitterroots. Cold dry weather has pulled moisture out of the snowpack, leaving the upper snowpack on north aspects with surface hoar and near surface faceting. Watch out during next storm cycle, especially if wetter or substantial.
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly SunnyTemperature:
10-18ยบ FWind:
Light , WSunny with high pressure, Light wind out of the west. No new snow in past 8 days (8 inches in past 3+ weeks). Temps have remained below freezing, with little snow available for transport.
Snowpack Observations
Targeting the persistent weak layer around a meter down in the snowpack, we found it to be isolated to extreme north slopes, thus not widespread. It was not propagating in extended column test, and showed not likely to propagate in propagation saw test (PST68/100End down 100cm).
New concern is near surface snow that is faceting after cold temps and dry weather. Faceted snow is sloughing on north slopes over 38 degrees, and more of a concern once new snow arrives.
Wind slabs exist near ridgelines, but are stubborn to react. Little snow currently available for transport.