Observation Date: 02/19/2012
Route/Location:
Lost Horse area Central Bitterroots
Weather:
overcast all day with light snow
Wind:
light
New Snow: 6-12″
Avalanche Activity:
n/a
Other Comments:
Lost area Central Bitterroots
Elevation: 6650
Slope: 34
AspectThe compass direction a slope faces i.e. North, South, East, West.: West
Test: ECT 11 at 25 cm no propagationThe spreading of a fractureThe physical separation of the slabA relatively cohesive snowpack layer. A layer of snow stronger than underlying layers. from the bed surface and surrounding snow during the initiation of a slabA relatively cohesive snowpack layer. A layer of snow stronger than underlying layers. avalanche. or crackThe spreading of a fractureThe physical separation of the slabA relatively cohesive snowpack layer. A layer of snow stronger than underlying layers. from the bed surface and surrounding snow during the initiation of a slabA relatively cohesive snowpack layer. A layer of snow stronger than underlying layers. avalanche. or crack within the snowpack. within the snowpack. Q 2 new snow layerA snowpack stratum differentiated from others by weather, metamorphism, or other processes.
ECT 21 at 45 cm no propagationThe spreading of a fractureThe physical separation of the slabA relatively cohesive snowpack layer. A layer of snow stronger than underlying layers. from the bed surface and surrounding snow during the initiation of a slabA relatively cohesive snowpack layer. A layer of snow stronger than underlying layers. avalanche. or crackThe spreading of a fractureThe physical separation of the slabA relatively cohesive snowpack layer. A layer of snow stronger than underlying layers. from the bed surface and surrounding snow during the initiation of a slabA relatively cohesive snowpack layer. A layer of snow stronger than underlying layers. avalanche. or crack within the snowpack. within the snowpack. Q2 failing on a buried crustA crust is a hard layer of snow where liquid water has refrozen into grain fabric. Crusts usually result from sun, rain or wind. layer
Ski penetration down too but not through the 45 cm crustA crust is a hard layer of snow where liquid water has refrozen into grain fabric. Crusts usually result from sun, rain or wind. layer, very little to none surface slough observed
Observer: Tim Buhl
The West Central Montana Avalanche Center is hosted on the Lolo National Forest with support from the Bitterroot and Clearwater National Forests. The advisory content is the sole responsibility of the Forest Service and does not apply to operating ski areas. Avalanche specialists can be contacted by calling 406-329-3752 or by