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Missoula Avalanche

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 30, 2022
Submitted:
January 30, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - Geoff Fast
Zone or Region:
Southern Bitterroots
Location:
Lost Trail Backcountry

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

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 Sunny
Temperature:
10-18ยบ F
Wind:
Light , W

Sunny 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.

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