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Missoula Avalanche

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 23, 2021
Submitted:
December 23, 2021
Zone or Region:
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
south of Lolo Pass

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
No
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
7600
Aspect:
N
Comments:
We dug what looked to be a stable ECT on a north facing slope at 7750', skied the first run no problem, then had 15 cm soft slab propagating on our second run. 125 cm total snow. The following scores are from the surface: 15 cm ECTN11 25 cm ECTN14 65 cm ECTN25 We did not have propagation at all in the pit and did not see any cracks while skiing and skinning our first run on a N aspect. On our second run we skied a slightly different aspect NNW and had the layer 15 cm from the surface fracturing and propagating all over the place. The soft slab did not step down or run far on the flats but could of knocked a skier over for sure.

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Heavy snow and high winds. Difficult trailbreaking.

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