Observation Date: 01/08/2021

Route/Location:
Up to 8800′, central Bitterroots

Weather:
clear, calm

Wind:
no; minimal drifting/transport the previous few days

New Snow: No New Snow

Avalanche Activity:
Large crown observed on steep, rocky, east aspect at 8500′ that appeared to have run during the storm of 1/3-1/5 (see photo below). Several other smaller naturals were visible on steep north aspects at about 8500′. All had some new snow covering them, and probably all ran during the 1/3-1/5 storm cycle, when Twin Lakes Snotel recorded more than 2″ SWE. Perhaps the culprit was the extensive surface hoar developed 12/28-12/29.

On 1/8, more recent avalanche activity was not observed. We experienced no collapsing or cracking and ski cuts yielded no results. Our group skied NE and E aspects up to 38 degrees without incident. In the words of the wise, old Wasatch skiing mailmen: “After a storm, wait three days”.

Other Comments:

Observer: Jeff Lonn