Observation Date: 12/31/2016

Route/Location:
Crystal Theater. Approached from the third pullout as you drive toward Lolo Pass visitor’s center from Lolo, MT.

Weather:
Partly cloudy.

Wind:
Little to now wind. No evidence of significant wind loading in the area that was skied.

New Snow: 6-12″

Avalanche Activity:
Did not observe any signs of avalanche activity during the approach or during skiing.

Other Comments:
Dug a snow pit near top of heavily wooded ridge line on a northwestern aspect (340°). Slope angle was measured at 38°. Compression test resulted in fractures at 18″ beneath surface on 16th strike and 24″ beneath surface on 21st strike (CT 16 & CT 21). Extended column test fractured, but did not propagate on 16th strike 24″ beneath the surface (ECTN 16). Near ground facets appeared and felt more consolidated than expected and did not fail during CT or ECT. Decided to ski the slope based on these results.

Observer: Charles Bolte