Bollettino valanghe

Bitterroot

West Central Montana Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Sun
Alta quota
1 · Debole
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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In sintesi

Large wet snow avalanches are possible at middle elevations today. Watch for signs of instability, like rollerballs, point releases, or recent avalanches. If you see these or are sinking into mushy, wet snow, it is time to exit avalanche terrain. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Loose Wet

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1–2

    Warm temperatures, a poor refreeze overnight, and cloud cover will continue to warm the snowpack today. Wet loose avalanches are possible on all aspects at middle elevations and could be large enough to bury you. 

    If you find yourself moving through mushy, wet, or unsupportable snow, or see rollerballs or small wet loose avalanches, it is time to stay out of avalanche terrain. The timing of wet snow avalanches can be tricky when we are dealing with greenhousing from cloud cover versus wet snow from strong sunlight. Wet snow from the cloud cover will be possible first thing this morning, so do not let your guard down as you approach your objective for the day. 

    Wet loose avalanches are most likely at middle elevations today. While low elevations will also be warm, there is generally not enough snow to create large avalanches, so the danger is low. Upper elevations will likely stay cool enough to prevent widespread warming, but there is some uncertainty. It is difficult to predict the exact elevation where it will transition to cooler snow, so pay attention to the snow surfaces around you. Also, if you find cold, dry snow, keep an eye out for dry loose sluffing on steep slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

Another day of warm temperatures. Middle elevation temperatures will climb into the mid 40s, but with cloud cover and light winds, it could feel even warmer. Upper elevation temperatures are forecast to rise to the high 30s to low 40s. Conditions will likely be similar to yesterday, when observers found widespread wet snow and easily triggered rollerballs at middle elevations. 

While there is not enough new snow on top of the buried surface hoar to create a persistent slab problem, observations have shown that across all forecast zones, the surface hoar that formed during January is preserved and buried under 2-5 inches of snow. We will continue to monitor this layer as snow accumulates, but as of now, we are expecting this layer to stick around and a tricky persistent slab problem to develop in the future. As you travel around the mountains, dig in the snow and keep track of where you are finding buried surface hoar. If we develop a slab on top of this, we will all need to change our mindset from low danger to conservative travel and more dangerous avalanche conditions. 

Glide cracks have opened up on isolated slopes throughout the region. Glide avalanches are highly unpredictable, and avoidance is the answer. If you see open glide cracks, do not travel underneath them. 

You could find isolated small wind slabs at upper elevations. While these slabs are unlikely to bury you, they could take you for a ride that results in injury or broken equipment. Look out for signs of instability like shooting cracks. The Seeley Lake area has received more snow than other zones in the last few days, so wind slabs are more likely there. 

We received our vehicle support from the Forest Service this week and plan to begin fieldwork and forecasting for the Seeley Lake area next week. If you are in the Seeley area on Wednesday (February 4th), we will be doing an Avalanche Awareness class/ Meet the Forecasters hosted by Montana Scenic Trails. Reach out to Montana Scenic Trails for more information or to register. 

Avalanche education is a lifelong journey built on developing sound judgment, gaining experience, and applying repeatable decision-making systems in the backcountry. Our American Avalanche Association (A3) recognized Level 1, Rescue, and Level 2 courses are offered throughout the winter and help you travel smarter in avalanche terrain. Explore current courses and registration on the Education page. 

Please continue to submit observations, and ski and ride safe!

Regioni coperte