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Missoula Avalanche

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 9, 2022
Submitted:
January 9, 2022
Zone or Region:
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Rattlesnake

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
7,900
Aspect:
NE
Comments:
Cresting Burgundy Ridge, the R3/D2 estimated avalanche was immediately apparent. The entire north-east aspect along the concave 40+ degee terrain had slid approximately 15"/35 cm deep and 150-200 feet across the crown. The crown had refiled with wind loaded storm snow since the slide occurred, indicating the avalanche ran during the storm cycle.
Photo:

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Isolated
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
Yes, Isolated

Observations

Skied off north aspect of Point six's east ridge, ascended Burgundy. Steep east aspect convexities in the ridge top were notably touchy, whoomphing and collapsing as a result of the stiff slap overlying weak low density snow transported by the westerly flow. Strict adherence to ridge top security was necessary.

Valley bottom, direct Ascent of Murphy on 1/5 had revealed numerous mid elevation stiff wind slabs along the route from Point 6. In addition, a small R2 D1.5 avalanche was seen at the very top of the central southern couloir, which is now filled in. Although not reactive 4 days ago, assumption is with the large load from the last storm these slabs are now providing a hair trigger in isolated areas when traveling in the upper elevations of Grant Creek.

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