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Missoula Avalanche

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 20, 2022
Submitted:
March 23, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - Geoff Fast
Zone or Region:
Southern Bitterroots
Location:
Lost Trail Backcountry

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Snow Stability

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

Bottom 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.

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Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Sunny
Temperature:
-6 to -3 C
Wind:
Calm

Temps 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).

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