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Missoula Avalanche

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 7, 2022
Submitted:
February 7, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - Geoff Fast
Zone or Region:
Southern Bitterroots
Location:
Lost Trail Backcountry

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Improving

Bottom 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.

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Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Temperature:
-1C
Wind:
Moderate , S

Above 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.

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