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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:

January 31, 2022

Submitted:

January 31, 2022

Observer:

WCMAC - Jeff Carty

Zone or Region:

Central Bitterroots

Location:

Mt. Fuji, Lolo Pass

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches?

None Observed

Cracking?

Isolated

Collapsing?

None Experienced

Snow Stability

Stability Rating:

Fair

Confidence in Rating:

High

Stability Trend:

Worsening

Media

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:

Obscured

Temperature:

19ºF (-7ºC)

Wind:

Moderate , SW

Snowing steadily all day at Lolo pass, 0.5" to 1" an hour. Up to 10" new snow on the ground, with more coming. Winds are intermittently moderate to strong. Ridgetops are wind lipped but transport is minimal due to trees. Higher elevation ridges will see significant wind transport.

Snowpack Observations

The new snow is very low density and lacks the cohesion needed for slab avalanches. It sits on two layers of surface hoar and near surface facets. As the new snow consolidates into a slab dangerous avalanche conditions could develop. The lower snowpack is very consolidated and there are no layers of concern.
Height of snow was 77" (195cm) in the location of our pit.
No test results of note, the new snow compresses immediately during taps.

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