Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
March 20, 2022Submitted:
March 23, 2022Observer:
WCMAC - Geoff FastZone or Region:
Southern BitterrootsLocation:
Lost Trail BackcountrySigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
FairConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
SteadyBottom Line
Isolated to shaded northerly aspects above 7000 feet, watch for propagation 35-60cms deep on recent ice layer (rain crust).
Above 7500 feet, watch for wind slabs on northerly and easterly slopes near ridgelines.
Media
Advanced Information
Weather Summary
Cloud Cover:
Mostly SunnyTemperature:
-6 to -3 CWind:
CalmTemps stayed below freezing while 4-8 inches of new snow arrived in past 18 hours. Clearing midday, temps stayed below freezing through the day.
Snowpack Observations
Isolated to shaded northerly aspects above 7000 feet, as slab has consolidated above the slick ice (rain crust) that is now ~55cms down, and is showing signs of propagation. In a compression test, the slab reacted on planer surface with moderate force (CT16down55cms SP). And though slab did not propagate fully in extended column test, it did propagate halfway across the 90cm wide column (EXCN25down55cms).