Close
Missoula Avalanche

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 11, 2022
Submitted:
March 12, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - Trask Baughman
Zone or Region:
Central Bitterroots
Location:
Gash Knob

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

Today we toured up to the Gash Knob in the central Bitterroots. We experienced shifting winds from all directions and found reactive pockets of wind slabs on the NE and SE sides of the ridge we ascended. These small pockets lacked continuity to produce large-scale avalanches but still could cause harm if you were to be carried into a terrain trap.
Other observations:
• Small dry loose in steep terrain
• Widespread faceting in the top few inches of the snowpack
• Isolated 5-10ft shooting cracks in wind loaded terrain features

Media

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Close