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Missoula Avalanche

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 22, 2022
Submitted:
January 22, 2022
Zone or Region:
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Jenny Bowl

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Dry Loose (Sluff)
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
7800'
Aspect:
E
Comments:
I saw a small sluff triggered by a party yesterday kicking a cornice to test slope stability.

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Travel was from the Snowbowl parking lot to the top of Point 6. I skied a few laps in Jenny Bowl before returning to the car. I observed no obvious signs of instability today. I ski cut a few steeper wind-loaded slopes with no results, which showed the new snow is bonded well to the old snow surface.
I noticed a stark difference in snow depth throughout Jenny bowl. Many thinner areas (less than 3' deep) harbor basal facets in Jenny Bowl. These thin areas have a consolidated slab overlying weak basal facets. I was concerned with the potential for persistent slab avalanches in steep and shallow areas today.

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