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Missoula Avalanche

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 6, 2022 - February 6, 2022
Submitted:
February 11, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - Jane Quinn
Zone or Region:
Central Bitterroots
Location:
Mt. Fuji, Lolo Pass

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
Isolated
Of the three groups that were traveling in separate areas, some but not all experienced cracking and collapsing on a layer of buried surface hoar down 45 cms from the snow surface.

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

A conservative mindset is still recommended while the persistent layer of buried surface remains. It is now loaded with 45 cm of snow was consistently producing results during our snowpack tests. There is still plenty of enjoyable skiing on mellow, low angle terrain.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Temperature:
-5 C
Wind:
Light , SW

We did not observe any new precipitation and temperatures ranged from 0 degrees Celsius to -5. Our winds were light to moderate out of the SW. There is roughly 15 cm of snow available for transport, but we did not observe as much blowing snow as yesterday.

Snowpack Observations

Snow height ranged from 170 to 220 cm depending on aspect between elevations 6000 and 6300 ft. Cracking and collapsing was observed but not widespread within the terrain. We saw an ECTP 21 down 45 cm on buried surface hoar that consisted of 2-3 cm grains. We also saw an ECTN 22 on that same layer and an RB4.

Avalanche Problems

Problem Location Distribution Sensitivity Size Comments
Persistent Slab
Isolated
Specific
Widespread
Unreactive
Stubborn
Reactive
Touchy
D1
D1.5
D2
D2.5
D3
D3.5
D4
D4.5
D5
Layer Depth/Date: 45 cm
We were able to visit more aspects and elevations to confirm the existence of the persistent buried surface hoar.

Terrain Use

We stayed mostly below 30 degrees with the exception of a few pieces of terrain that were heavily treed by old growth forest.

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