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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 7, 2022
Submitted:
December 8, 2022
Observer:
WCMAC - David Fox
Zone or Region:
Central Bitterroots
Location:
Gash

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
Isolated

Snow Stability

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

Bottom Line

Wind Affected Snow- Strong West/SW winds yesterday scoured the low density surface snow from all aspects, except the most protected terrain. There is a widespread, firm, wind impacted surface above 6000'. Observed some unreactive wind loading on sheltered N/NE aspects.
Unsupportable, shallow snowpack on all aspects below 7000' with facets in the lower half of the snowpack. Experienced numerous settlements as denser snow in the upper snowpack collapsed on the facets below.
Still lots of wood and other below surface hazards. Use caution.

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Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
25F (-4C)
Wind:
Light , SW

Temperatures ranged from 35F (1C) in the lower elevation to 25F (-4C) at 7,900'. Mostly sunny with clear sky's. Winds mostly clam or very light from the SW all day.

Snowpack Observations

Height of snowpack at 7,700' was 75cm. Upper 35cm is newer, denser snow with 40cm of rounded, facted snow below. Pit was located on a NE aspect (25 degrees) with a 24 degree slope.

CT27 @ 40cm RP. Failed on 4F roundng facets. Density change with denser 1F- snow below and a layer of 1F- frozen facets below.
ECTX. No reactions during a extended column test.

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