Observation Date: 11/15/2014

Route/Location:
Touring around St. Mary’s Peak in the Bitterroot Range

Weather:

Wind:
Light west winds today. Evidence of previous loading on east and north aspects.

New Snow: No New Snow

Snow Density:

Avalanche Activity:
Main concern today was the buried facet layer at high elevations (>8500′ est.). I dug a quick hand colum at 9000′ on a NE bowl and noticed these facets 15″ down under this weeks storm snow slab. The facet layer was roughly 4″ thick. Under the facets were various melt/ freeze crusts. The slab showed to have poor strength on the hand sheer test. Noticed an old crown on part of the main east facing summit bowl.

Observed Danger Rating:

Other Comments:
Plenty of stable powder outside of the alpine. As the bowls start to fill in, I definatly plan to dig down and examine where the facets persist. They won’t be everwhere, but where they are the snowpack will possess significantly less strength. I also plan to switch to metric units at some point this season.

Observer: Blake Votilla