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Missoula Avalanche

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 5, 2022
Submitted:
February 5, 2022
Zone or Region:
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Bass creek - Lappi lake

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
Aspect:
Comments:

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
Yes, Isolated
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
No

Observations

We were surprised to find almost 2 feet of new snow from the past week at 8500 feet. We dug a pit on a wind loaded SE slope at about 8200 feet. Results were ECTN10 at 20 cm (recent snow) and ECTP24 at about 60cm (old snow interface). The deep failure was below an ice crust sitting on facets. We observed relatively little sign of acute instability, but there was too much new snow and wind to inspire confidence. We scaled our plans back and stuck to moderate terrain.

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