Close
Missoula Avalanche

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 16, 2022
Submitted:
February 16, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - Jeff Carty
Zone or Region:
Missions
Location:
Deer Creek, past Driftriders warming hut

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

13" of snow fell in the southern Missions at 6000'. It sits on an ice layer over top of near surface facets. The new snow lacks the cohesion to form a slab, but with could become a problem with consolidation. Sluffing could be a problem on slopes greater than 38º. There is plentiful low density snow for wind transport, wind slab will form quickly if the winds pick up. Now signs of instability today, I rate the hazard moderate in this area due to the amount of new snow sitting on a slick bed surface.

Media

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Temperature:
25º F (-4ºC)
Wind:
Calm

Clear in the morning, increasing clouds till noon, then overcast and obscured.
Snow beginning at 1:30 PM
Light snowfall until 4:00 pm, less than 1" accumulation
Wind calm, no snow transport
Evidence of west winds last night

Snowpack Observations

At 6000' on a north aspect
Height of snow 73" (185 cm)
13" (33cm) new snow on an ice crust over near surface facets.
ECTN 11 down 13" (33cm)
ECTP 25 down 33" (85cm) on faceted Jan. 12 melt freeze layer

Close