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Missoula Avalanche

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 23, 2022 - February 23, 2022
Submitted:
February 23, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - Ryan Sorenson
Zone or Region:
Seeley Swan
Location:
Richmond Peak

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: 
Steady

Bottom Line

It was a gorgeous day if you could brave the cold temps. We found a right side up stable snowpack near Richmond Peak. A few open westerly aspects had wind effects from previous easterly winds and minor cracking in the top 2 to 6 inches over fluff. I would suspect more wind effects at higher elevations. We dug at 6,300 feet on a west aspect. There is a 3 cm thick melt-freeze crust 28 cm deep from the warm-up earlier this month. Below that is stable rounding snow and another crust from January 56 cm deep. We experienced no wind in the afternoon. No notable test results.

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Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Wind:
Calm
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