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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 11, 2022 - February 11, 2022
Submitted:
February 11, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - Todd Glew
Zone or Region:
Central Bitterroots
Location:
Central Bitterroot- Little St. Joe

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Very Good
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

Travel was from 3500' to 9000.' We skinned up to the top of Little St. Joe and skied a south-facing gully back into Bass Creek. We found very stable avalanche conditions on our tour today. We looked for buried facets on wind-protected non-solar aspects and did not find any. We dug two snow pits on a south-facing gully and found a right side up and stable snowpack. Listed below are some key points from our tour today.
• Crampons and an ice axe are highly recommended.
• Slide-for-life conditions on all aspects and elevations.
• All aspects and elevations are heavily wind-affected in Bass Creek and Sweeney Creek.
• Skiing/riding solar aspects once the snow softens is the best bet for enjoyable skiing/riding.
• Watch out for old frozen wet debris.

Media

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
19ºF (-7ºC) @ 9000' and 45ºF (7ºC) at the trailhead when we left.
Wind:
Light , NW

Beautiful sunny day in the mountains. There was no soft snow available for wind transport.

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