Lawinenlagebericht

Seeley Lake

West Central Montana Avalanche Center
Auf der Karte ansehen

Lawinengefahr

Fri
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
1 · Gering
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
Open full map
Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 5 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Generally stable conditions exist. Instabilities are limited to loose snow avalanches and wind slab at upper elevations that will develop today with the arrival of wind and fresh snowfall. Avoid wind loaded slopes greater than 35º as the day progresses. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–1.5

    Moderate winds with strong gusts will easily transport low-density snow today. Upper elevations above 6500 feet are the main concern.

    Wind slab will build throughout the day and accelerate with the new snow's arrival. 

    Wind lips, cornices, and wide drifts are indications of wind transport and loading and should be avoided.

    Avoid steep wind loaded terrain below ridgelines, and be aware of cross loading in gullies. 

    As winds pick up, and windslab builds stick to slopes less than 35º

     

Avalanche Discussion

What a contrast this year's December snowpack is to the past two years. Rather than a poor and scary structure consisting of crusts and facets, we have a nice, consolidated right-side-up snowpack that is almost devoid of layers. Due to rapid accumulation over the past week, and relatively mild temperatures, the snowpack has settled and bonded well. Even the melt-freeze crust at the new snow/old snow interface is well bonded in places where the old snow remained. This snowpack is a solid foundation for the rest of the season's snow. It is generally stable, and instabilities are isolated to the surface and new snow. 

The exception to this may be the southern Bitterroot, where less snowfall over the past week translates to a shallower snowpack that may be more facet prone.

Light snow is forecast for today, starting around noon and intensifying this evening. Accumulations in the 1-4 inch range are possible. The Bitterroots may receive a bit more. Winds will be moderate with strong gusts out of the southwest. 

Loose dry avalanches are likely in steep terrain. Care should be taken around terrain traps such as gullies where sluffs can gain depth and push riders off their feet and into hazards. 

Upper elevations will see wind slab grow throughout the day. Just below ridges is the most likely place to find these. Low-density surface snow will be easily transported by wind, and new snowfall will add to wind slab. As the day progresses and wind slab builds, avoid wind loaded slopes greater than 35º. 

Early season hazards are still very much in play despite the depth we now have. The lightness of the snow means there is little buffer on top of rocks and stumps. Care is still warranted to avoid injury from unexpected contact.

Many thanks to the folks who have been submitting observations. They are extremely helpful for assessing conditions throughout the forecast area. Please continue to submit them here: https://missoulaavalanche.org/submit-an-observation/

Our operations depend on donations and fundraising events. Please consider adding the West Central Montana Avalanche Center to your holiday donation list. All donations are tax-deductible. Click the donate tab above or click here: Donate

Enjoy the powder.

Ski and ride safe.

Abgedeckte Regionen