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Missoula Avalanche

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 28, 2022
Submitted:
February 28, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - Jeff Carty
Zone or Region:
Rattlesnake
Location:
Little Alaska

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Widespread
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Fair
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Worsening

Media

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured
Temperature:
30F (-1C)
Wind:
Light , SW

Rain to 5600'
Freezing level 6400'
Snowing up to 1" per hour, tapering to 1/2" an hour in the afternoon
Winds light and southwest until 1:30 PM when moderate gusts began

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
1 Today Ridge above Tele meadows
NE 7400
D1 SS I-New/Old Interface 6" (15cm) AS-Skier
c-Intentional
None

Snowpack Observations

Storm slab is the primary problem above 6400'. Dense new snow overlays low density faceted snow from the past week on some aspects and sun crust on other aspects. Slabs were easily triggered on slopes over 35º. Touchiness will likely increase with continued loading.
Below 6400' rain is saturating the snowpack. No loose wet or wet slab were observed today.

Terrain Use

We stayed on slopes under 30º today.

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