Quick report
Toured above 8,000 ft into the Lost Trail backcountry behind the yurts along the Idaho/Montana border. Observed several ski tracks from the most recent storm on all aspects, with some travel stepping out into steeper terrain. The primary concern was warming temperatures and the potential for wet snow instabilities on solar aspects. Despite warm temperatures, shaded aspects remained relatively cool and the snow surface stayed soft, providing good skiing conditions. Overall, snowpack observations showed positive signs of increasing stability. The upper snowpack was generally right side up and stability tests did not produce propagating results and were rated fair to good. Notable variability was observed in the December 24 rain crust. The crust was present in some locations but absent in others, despite similar aspects and elevations. Where observed, the crust was thin, located approximately 40 cm below the surface, and on top of a thin Q1 layer of small facets. Isolated pockets of surface hoar were observed on the snow surface. Surface hoar was primarily found at lower elevations, on shaded north-facing aspects, and in areas sheltered from wind and wind loading.
Avalanche
Several WL-N-D1-R1 wet loose avalanches observed primarily on S/SW aspects that were affected by solar the past few days at all elevations. Based on temps and driving up the pass the previous night, these likely occurred on 1/13.