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Missoula Avalanche

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
April 24, 2022
Submitted:
April 25, 2022
Zone or Region:
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Sky Pilot - Bitterrots

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Wet Loose
Size:
Size 2: Could bury, injure, or kill a person
Elevation:
8125
Aspect:
E
Comments:
Point releases and wet loose slides were observed on all aspects receiving sunlight today. Wet slides were heard throughout the day as the temperature warmed.
Photo:

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

We set out for Sky Pilot from Gash Road around 6:30am this morning. We made it to the ridge-line adjacent to the North face of Sky Pilot around noon. Point-releases and wet loose slides were present under and around cliff bands, cornices along the Eastern ridge-line, and glide cracks across the gulley and above Bear Lake. Throughout the day we continued to monitor conditions and changes in temperature. We stuck to ridge-lines, dense trees, avoided traveling on steep faces or under rock bands, and skied low angle terrain (<35 degrees). We were past our time threshold for the boot pack, so we dug a pit at roughly 8,100ft around 1pm on an East facing 32 degree slope. Sky coverage was scattered with calm wind, and temperature probe read 32 degrees Celsius.
Test profile observations are attached below.

Media

ECTP28: 40cm from the base of the pit (ntg)
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