Observation Date: 01/26/2019

Route/Location:
I think technically this is outside the report area as it is in the Beaverhead NF, but the area is used mostly by skiers and sledders from the Bitterroot. Approximately 2 miles north of Skalkaho Pass on a 37° east facing slope. No evidence of wind loading. ECT 16 with propagation. 18″ down on a crust from about two weeks ago. No injuries or burial.

Weather:
Overcast with light wind at ridge crest. Felt relatively warm around 30.

Wind:
Light wind. No obvious wind loading. Some wind effect lower down below the slope in question.

New Snow: 6-12″

Avalanche Activity:
Snow earlier in the week. One avalanche in steep cliff terrain that was covered by the recent snow.
The trigger avalanche was on an east facing 37° slope at 7800′ . Crown was 18″ and extended for 150-200 yards and ran for 400′. Triggered by third skier in a group of three. Appeared to be running on the weak layer we detected on our ECT.

Other Comments:
Given the results of our pit we all agreed there were warning signs and the goal was to stick to the more treed and lower consequence slopes in the area

Observer: Lance Pysher