Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
February 7, 2022Submitted:
February 7, 2022Observer:
WCMAC - Geoff FastZone or Region:
Southern BitterrootsLocation:
Lost Trail BackcountrySigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
GoodConfidence in Rating:
HighStability Trend:
ImprovingBottom Line
Past two days of above freezing temps put stress on the snowpack with shooting cracks and storm slab moderately reactive 20-25cms down. Today with near freezing temps, there were no shooting cracks or storm slab activity.
Wind transport was occurring; wind slabs were forming, but still unconsolidated.
Media
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly SunnyTemperature:
-1CWind:
Moderate , SAbove freezing past two days, and above freezing high temps predicted through the remainder of the week.
Snowpack Observations
Though a few buried surface hoar layers were noted 20cm and 56cms down, they were stubborn to react and did not propagate in Extended Column Tests.
Buried facets 20cms down are isolated to just north facing terrain over 35 degree. They were stubborn to react today.
Avalanche Problems
Wind slabs forming on leeward (north/northeast) slopes above 8000 feet.