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Missoula Avalanche

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 11, 2022 - February 11, 2022
Submitted:
February 11, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - Ryan Sorenson
Zone or Region:
Central Bitterroots
Location:
Mount Fuji, Lolo Pass

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

Warm temperatures yesterday followed by a sold freeze last night left a 3 to 4 inch thick (8 to 10 cm) mostly supportable melt-freeze crust up to 6,000 feet on Mount Fuji. While the crust will help bridge and reduce the likelihood of triggering an avalanche on buried surface hoar, our test shows it's still possible given a heavy or properly placed trigger. A deep machine cut or thin rocky patch is the most probable spot.

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Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
37
Wind:
Calm

Calm winds and clearing skies. The temperature reached 43 ° F at 1 p.m., according to the Lolo Snowtel at 5240 feet. We were skinning in t-shirts at 10 a.m.

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