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Missoula Avalanche

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 13, 2022
Submitted:
February 14, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - Trask Baughman
Zone or Region:
Central Bitterroots
Location:
Lolo Pass

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
Isolated
We experienced a collapses just past the summit of Mount Fuji at 6000ft, north aspect

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

This week teaching a Rec level-one avalanche course at Lolo Pass, we observed isolated signs of instability. On the north and northwest aspects, persistent weak layers like buried surface hoar can be found 16 inches down (40cm). We had propagation in our extended column tests and sudden planer brakes in our compression tests on this buried surface hoar layer.
On solar south and southwest aspects, the buried surface hoar layer can be still be found but has high spatial variability and is not propagating in extended column tests. In the heat of the day, we spotted small loose wet slides that had come off large boulders steep hillsides above road cuts and drainages around 5500 feet on southwest aspects.

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Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
above freezing in the mid 40s
Wind:
Calm
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