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Missoula Avalanche

Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
November 25, 2022
Submitted:
November 25, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - Arden Feldman
Zone or Region:
Rattlesnake
Location:
Snowbowl

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Bottom Line

This afternoon we toured up Snowbowl to 7,400 ft to dig a snowpit and observe the effect of recent warm temperatures. We measured an air temperature of 1 degree celsius at 7400ft at 4 pm, and it felt warmer at lower elevations. It was overcast, but the clouds were thin and still allowed some sunshine through. There were light westerly winds with some moderate gusts.

Media

Looking south from Snowbowl.
Point 6 terrain.
Thin coverage on low elevation southerlies.
Small natural wet loose activity on road cuts.

Advanced Information

Snowpack Observations

While touring up southerly and westerly slopes below 6,500 ft, we found moist snow down to the ground. Road cuts on the drive up had small natural wet loose activity. Above 6,500 ft, we found mostly dry snow and around 4" (10cm) of new snow mixed with graupel from the storm on Tuesday night. We dug a pit on a north aspect at 7,400 ft. The snow depth was 30" (77 cm), and the snowpack was mostly faceted. An extended column test produced a non-propagating result on 1-2 mm facets 20 cm above the ground (ECTN23). See attached snow profile for more details.

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