April 9, 2016 W. Central Montana avalanche report--READ THIS REPORT--> "NO RATING"--

Scott · Nov 30, 2015

April 9, 2016 W. Central Montana avalanche report--READ THIS REPORT--> "NO RATING"--

This fall has gone by very quickly.
I hope some of you have gotten a shake-down ride. That test and tune is very important ya know.

Can't believe we are now getting avy reports for the season.

Check the LAST post in this thread for the most recent avy updates.

Scott · Nov 30, 2015

Missoula Avalanche
Avalanche Special Update – Thank You! – October 20, 2015

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Thank you western Montana!

We’re off to a great start already this year with a new budget allocation from the Forest Service for avalanche center operations, a Recreation Trails Program grant from MT Fish Wildlife and Parks and a very successful Pray For Snow benefit at Caras Park. The success of our mission is due in large part to the strong support all of you have shown the past few years.

We plan to add another day to our advisory program as well as continue to offer free avalanche education opportunities in area schools, the University of MT, businesses and other interested parties. We have also scheduled a Level 2 class with the American Avalanche Institute, and four Level 1 classes including a women only L1 cosponsored with Yurtski. These classes fill quickly so get registered early. Check our Education and Events page for details.

Travis Craft, Logan King and Brian Martens are attending the National Avalanche School in Snowbird UT later this month. This training will help qualify them as avalanche specialists/forecasters. Travis and Logan will be writing and posting our avalanche advisories this winter. Brian will again be coordinating avalanche safety programs for interested schools, university students and other groups.

If you are a teacher (or have a group interested in awareness training) contact us by sending a short email to info@missoulaavalanche.org and Brian will work out the details with you. We don’t charge for these awareness programs but have limited resources so again, it is important to schedule early.

Donations go a long way toward helping us provide avalanche information and education so please consider a tax deductible donation. For details visit http://missoulaavalanche.org/donate/.

The post Avalanche Special Update – Thank You! – October 20, 2015 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.

Scott · Nov 30, 2015

Missoula Avalanche
Avalanche Special Update – Mountain Snow This Week – November 7, 2015

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Western Montana received our first significant mountain snowfall this week and it is starting to look like winter has arrived for good at the higher elevations. This is Steve Karkanen with an early season avalanche information update from the West Central Montana Avalanche Center.

While the valleys received a light dusting, the mountains picked up enough snow to start forming a base. A snapshot of 4 SNOTEL sites shows Saddle Mountain with 12″, Twin Lakes 6″, Stuart Peak 9″. It looks like the snow near Hoodoo already melted off after accumulating about 4″. It’s cold enough and the sun angle low enough that much of what we see in the higher mountains should remain for the winter.

We are currently planning for the 2015-2016 winter and have a few changes to make you aware of. We are adding another advisory day so our scheduled days will be changing. We will be issuing advisories on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings this winter. We feel that this spreads our coverage out a little better particularly for the weekend period.

Travis Craft and Logan King will be writing and posting the advisories this year with assistance from Dudley and I. Brian Martens will again be working with local schools, the UM and other groups interested in introductory avalanche safety information and field training. Send an email to us at info@missoulaavalanche.org if you are interested in what we have available for your organization.

We plan to start regular advisories in mid-December with earlier information updates as conditions change.

The post Avalanche Special Update – Mountain Snow This Week – November 7, 2015 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.

This information is the sole responsibility of the Forest Service and does not apply to operating ski areas. The avalanche danger rating expires at midnight tonight but you can use the information we provide to help you make more informed decisions regarding travel in avalanche terrain for the next few days.

Our advisory area includes the Bitterroot Mountains from Lost Trail Pass North to Hoodoo Pass, the Rattlesnake Mountains and the Southern Swan and Mission Mountains near Seeley Lake. Avalanche information for the Lookout Pass/St. Regis Basin is available from the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.

Scott · Nov 30, 2015

Missoula Avalanche
Avalanche Special Update – Thanksgiving Update – November 25, 2015

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Hi everyone, this is Steve Karkanen at the West Central Montana Avalanche Center with early season avalanche safety information issued Wednesday, November 25, 2015.

A robust Canadian cold front passed through the area yesterday bringing snow, high winds and colder temperatures. Most SNOTEL stations report around 5 inches of new snow and single digit temperatures. The Point Six RAWS station is reporting winds in the 30’s w/ gusts to 48mph. The wind chill this morning is -25f . The area remains under a winter storm warning until 10am.

High winds the past 24 hours started out from the east but are now more westerly. We normally expect wind slabs on the lee east facing terrain but expect to see them on ANY lee slope above treeline after this recent storm. These fresh wind slabs can be touchy for a few days and are the primary avalanche problem in the higher terrain.

In past years there have been a number of early season close calls and fatalities in Montana involving hunters and climbers. Hunters tend to travel solo without avalanche rescue equipment as avalanches are about the last thing they are thinking of as they follow elk tracks across steep, open terrain.

If you see any of these obvious clues to dangerous snow conditions, avoid being on or under open slopes steeper than 30 degrees.

recent avalanche activity –
cracking or collapsing snowpack
heavy snowfall
high winds
rapid increase in temperature
If you spend any amount of time in the mountains in the winter, chances are good that you will encounter avalanche terrain. Having basic awareness of terrain, weather and snow factors goes a long way toward making good decisions in avalanche terrain. To that end we are offering several basic and advanced avalanche awareness classes this winter. We also have instructors available to give your organization a range of programs from introductory to classes with a field component. Check out our course offerings here: http://www.missoulaavalanche.org/education-events/

We are also offering a Level 2 in partnership w/ the American Avalanche Institute. Details are available here. You must register w/ AAI prior to December 19. The class will be cancelled if there are not enough participants.

We plan to begin issuing regular avalanche advisories w/ the danger rating in mid-December.

We’ve been getting some good reports and have a few posted on our public observations page. Any information you send is appreciated and helps inform the rest of the community about avalanche safety conditions. You can send a quick email to info@missoulaavalanche.org or use the easy to use form here: http://missoulaavalanche.org/submit-an-observation/

The post Avalanche Special Update – Thanksgiving Update – November 25, 2015 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.

Scott · Dec 12, 2015

</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td valign="top" style="padding: 0in; border: 0px rgb(0, 0, 0); border-image: none; background-color: transparent;">

<table width="600" style="width: 6.25in; mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td valign="top" style="background: white; padding: 0in; border: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <table width="100%" style="width: 100%; mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; mso-padding-alt: 15.0pt 15.0pt 15.0pt 15.0pt;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td valign="top" style="padding: 15pt; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> Avalanche Advisory Update for December 10, 2015

<a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255) !important; text-decoration: none !important; background-color: rgb(58, 162, 215) !important;" href="http://missoulaavalanche.us6.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=c973a7605b99a30368d5e5b5b&id=a65a873256&e=027d6e5756">View Full Advisory »
Good morning, this is Logan King at the West Central Montana Avalanche Center with an early season avalanche information update issued Thursday, December 10, 2015.
A series of storms moved through the region depositing a significant load earlier in the week. Many locations in west central Montana saw nearly 2 inches of snow water equivalent as snow levels climbed to around 7500 feet. High snow levels resulted in a combination of snow and rain that was seen throughout the region adding a significant load to the snowpack.
Wednesday morning more precipitation was added to the snowpack as snow levels remained fairly high. This event deposited much less snow water but significant winds were observed as the cold front pushed through in the afternoon. Ridge top winds were observed in the 40-50 mph range and gusting over 70 mph out of the west on Point Six.
Widespread storm slabs and more localized windslabs will be sitting on top of a weak snowpack that developed during the extended cold period that occurred around Thanksgiving. A good heavy slab sitting on a weak snowpack is going to warrant close attention.
Temperatures are expected to drop going into the weekend and more snow is in the forecast as well. If you choose to travel in the backcountry use safe travel protocols and be diligent with your assessments. Dependent on conditions, regular avalanche advisories will be posted starting later in December. As always let us know if you get out in the snow and share your observations on the <a href="http://missoulaavalanche.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c973a7605b99a30368d5e5b5b&id=f8781bbc3d&e=027d6e5756">public observations page. Think Snow.
no-rating
The post <a href="http://missoulaavalanche.us6.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=c973a7605b99a30368d5e5b5b&id=d7345c7adf&e=027d6e5756">Avalanche Advisory Update for December 10, 2015 appeared first on <a href="http://missoulaavalanche.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c973a7605b99a30368d5e5b5b&id=5ba3a35138&e=027d6e5756">Missoula Avalanche.

This information is the sole responsibility of the Forest Service and does not apply to operating ski areas. The avalanche danger rating expires at midnight tonight but you can use the information we provide to help you make more informed decisions regarding travel in avalanche terrain for the next few days.

Our advisory area includes the Bitterroot Mountains from Lost Trail Pass North to Hoodoo Pass, the Rattlesnake Mountains and the Southern Swan and Mission Mountains near Seeley Lake. Avalanche information for the Lookout Pass/St. Regis Basin is available from the <a href="http://missoulaavalanche.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c973a7605b99a30368d5e5b5b&id=5d705336bb&e=027d6e5756" target="_blank">Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.

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Scott · Dec 12, 2015

</td> </tr> <tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td valign="top" style="padding: 0in; border: 0px rgb(0, 0, 0); border-image: none; background-color: transparent;">

<table width="600" style="width: 6.25in; mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td valign="top" style="background: white; padding: 0in; border: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <table width="100%" style="width: 100%; mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; mso-padding-alt: 15.0pt 15.0pt 15.0pt 15.0pt;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td valign="top" style="padding: 15pt; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> Avalanche Advisory for December 12, 2015

<a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255) !important; text-decoration: none !important; background-color: rgb(58, 162, 215) !important;" href="http://missoulaavalanche.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c973a7605b99a30368d5e5b5b&id=49d385972e&e=027d6e5756">View Full Advisory »
The avalanche danger is rated Considerable in the west central Montana backcountry above 6000ft. We have a very weak snowpack structure in the advisory area. Human triggered avalanches are likely. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist.
Good morning, this is Travis Craft with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for December 12, 2015. We are now into our regular advisory schedule. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas, expires at midnight tonight (Dec.12) and is the sole responsibility of the U. S. Forest Service.
Weather and Snowpack Discussion
This morning mountain temperatures are in the mid and upper 20’s and winds are light with gusts of 10 mph out of the South-South-West. We picked up 1 inch of snow on throughout the advisory area.This morning scattered snow showers will move through the area dropping minimal amounts of snow. A potent weather system is forecasted to enter our area tonight and bring with it a large accumulation of snow and high winds which will rapidly increase the avalanche hazard in the backcountry.
The main problem we have in the advisory area is a persistent weak layer consisting of facets that formed during the early season freeze above 6000 feet. These facets have created a very weak snowpack structure.(<a href="http://missoulaavalanche.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c973a7605b99a30368d5e5b5b&id=9876bc3960&e=027d6e5756" target="_blank">profile1)(<a href="http://missoulaavalanche.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c973a7605b99a30368d5e5b5b&id=8a6f461dde&e=027d6e5756" target="_blank">profile2)(<a href="http://missoulaavalanche.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c973a7605b99a30368d5e5b5b&id=0a728c2ab2&e=027d6e5756">video) We have facets in the bottom of the snowpack that formed below a crust and to the ground with a well consolidated slab on top.(<a href="http://missoulaavalanche.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c973a7605b99a30368d5e5b5b&id=c13d35ed69&e=027d6e5756" target="_blank">pit) When touring and getting off our skis we are sinking all the way to the ground. We are also getting whumpfinging and collapsing, as well as, shooting cracks from our skis when touring throughout our advisory area.(<a href="http://missoulaavalanche.us6.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=c973a7605b99a30368d5e5b5b&id=3f2292ba34&e=027d6e5756" target="_blank">pic) In our ECT’s in the Rattlesnake and Lolo Pass we are seeing propagation on this layer of facets. In one of the tests on an East aspect at 7600 feet, this layer propagated and failed while isolating the column. All of these are significant signs of instability which tell us that we should not enter into avalanche terrain. With all of these signs of instability, terrain should be carefully evaluated as to what is above you and if you are connected to steeper terrain where you could remotely trigger an avalanche. Runout zones should be avoided.
The second problem is that wind slabs have formed on leeward slopes sitting on this weak structure. The high winds that accompanied the last storm created wind slabs on these leeward slopes, which are sensitive to triggers. All wind loaded slopes should be treated as suspect due to the poor structure of the snowpack.
Weather Forecast and Avalanche Outlook
With the poor snow structure and and more snow in the forecast, any significant new loading will dramatically increase the instabilities in this weak snowpack. Significant wind may accompany this storm so leeward slopes will also have an increased avalanche hazard. With these two factors I would expect the avalanche danger to increase rapidly. We will be in the field this weekend evaluating the snowpack and will issue the next advisory on Tuesday, December 14, 2015. If you are out, please send us some public observations. We are now publishing three advisories a week: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Our beacon park at Lolo Pass is also up and running.
considerable
The post <a href="http://missoulaavalanche.us6.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=c973a7605b99a30368d5e5b5b&id=47e82f018a&e=027d6e5756">Avalanche Advisory for December 12, 2015 appeared first on <a href="http://missoulaavalanche.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c973a7605b99a30368d5e5b5b&id=3ae2e59bff&e=027d6e5756">Missoula Avalanche.

This information is the sole responsibility of the Forest Service and does not apply to operating ski areas. The avalanche danger rating expires at midnight tonight but you can use the information we provide to help you make more informed decisions regarding travel in avalanche terrain for the next few days.

Our advisory area includes the Bitterroot Mountains from Lost Trail Pass North to Hoodoo Pass, the Rattlesnake Mountains and the Southern Swan and Mission Mountains near Seeley Lake. Avalanche information for the Lookout Pass/St. Regis Basin is available from the <a href="http://missoulaavalanche.us6.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=c973a7605b99a30368d5e5b5b&id=8a31fb2062&e=027d6e5756" target="_blank">Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center.

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Scott · Dec 12, 2015

I don't know why half the text is highlighted like that. It copied that way from the email.

Scott · Dec 15, 2015

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Avalanche Advisory for December 15, 2015

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The avalanche danger is rated Moderate in the west central Montana backcountry above 7000 feet. Human-triggered avalanches are possible. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. Heightened avalanche conditions for some specific terrain.
Good morning, this is Travis Craft with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for December15, 2015. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas, expires at midnight tonight (Dec.15) and is the sole responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service.
Weather and Snowpack Discussion
Winds are light out of the northwest in the Bitterroot, Point Six is not reporting this morning. Mountain temperatures are in the upper teen’s and low twenties. The advisory area has received varying amounts of snow, 6 inches in the northern portion and 11 inches in the southern portion since Saturday. This last storm cycle has produced different avalanche problems, they are geographically concentrated from north to south.
Steve and I toured the Lolo Pass Area yesterday and found a snowpack that was well-bonded with rounding basal facets.(pic2) We have had many public observations from the area which have been very useful in showing that the basal facets are rounding and becoming less reactive.
The main avalanche concern is the wind slabs that formed from the accompanying winds with the last storm cycle. We had plenty of snow to be transported, so be aware of those slabs lurking about. These wind slabs are located on leeward terrain. Be looking at ridge lines and be aware of cross loaded slopes too.
The second avalanche problem is that a storm slab has developed throughout the advisory area. This storm slab size varies from 6 inches in the northern range, to 11 inches in the southern range. These slabs should settle out with time and be less sensitive to triggers as the snowpack adjusts to the new load.
The third avalanche concern is our persistent weak layer of buried facets in the bottom of our snowpack. This weak layer is currently rounding in lower elevations.(pic1) It is not as prevalent in the southern area, but still exists in isolated pockets which consist of shallow snowpack or near rocks and outcrops. The northern area has a shallower snowpack and this weak layer is more prevalent.(pit2) Brian was touring in the Rattlesnake yesterday and was able to get this layer to propagate in some of his tests.(pit2) According to public observations, the weak layer has become less reactive (Gash Point, Snake, Public obs Root ). Five Valley’s Backcountry Ski Patrol also sent in observations showing these same results from the central bitterroot.(pit1) The best way to find this layer is by digging down into the snowpack and seeing if it is present and reactive in tests.(pic3) Remember, a stable result in a pit plays a very little part in the avalanche decision making process and an unstable result is the only result one needs for assessment.
Weather and Avalanche Outlook
We are currently between storms. The next storm is forecasted to hit the area starting later tonight and into Wednesday with a storm total of 5-10 inches in the high country. I would expect this to increase the avalanche hazard.
Logan King will issue the next advisory on Thursday, December 17. Remember, if you are out send us a public observation. Ski and ride safe.

moderate

The post Avalanche Advisory for December 15, 2015 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.

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Scott · Dec 18, 2015

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Avalanche Advisory for December 17, 2015

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The avalanche danger in the West Central Montana backcountry is MODERATE. Natural avalanches are unlikely, human triggered avalanches are possible. Heightened avalanche conditions may exist in isolated terrain.
Good morning and happy powder Thursday, this is Logan King with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s backcountry avalanche advisory for Thursday, December 17th. This information is the responsibility of the Forest Service and does not apply to operating ski areas and expires at midnight.

WEATHER AND SNOWPACK
As of 5am this morning mountain temps are approximately 10 degree fahrenheit, currently all anemometers are down and we don’t have any windspeed data. Mountain ranges in the advisory area have seen 5-12 inches of new snow in the last 24 hours.
Travis and I rode into Twin Lakes in the Bitterroot yesterday and found about a foot of new low density snow. This new snow is sitting on a crust but appears to be bonding well. The primary problem that we were seeing was loose snow avalanches. However under the crust was a bit of an anomaly. We found very saturated snow between crust layers from the rain event a few weeks back in mid elevation pits. The two very wet layers are lying between three very dense crusts. Given current conditions this is an unusual situation in the snowpack, and an unusual snowpacks result in unusual avalanche problems so keep an eye on this layer (video). However, the good news was this layer was rapidly being buried deeper in the snowpack and was not very reactive in stability tests.
The second concern that we have in the region are storm slabs. The new snow is sitting on a crust in many areas in the region and the subtle layers/interfaces in the storm snow were not very reactive in our stability tests but with more load overnight may become more sensitive. Remember, anytime a significant load is added to the snowpack it warrants cautious evaluation because the snow needs time to adjust to a new load.
Lastly, facets continue to persist on cold shaded slopes or in shallower snowpacks. They are not nearly as reactive but they can still be found and will potentially be more reactive under the new load. The only way to know if these persistent weak layers are present is to dig.

WEATHER AND AVALANCHE FORECAST
Currently it is partly cloudy and calm but snow is forecasted later in the afternoon and into tonight with the possibility to turn to rain as snow levels rise throughout the region. Loading is expected to continue later today and through the weekend. Winds are also forecasted to increase with the warmer and overrunning frontal passage which have the potential to further increase avalanche danger.
I will issue the next advisory on Saturday, December 19.

moderate

The post Avalanche Advisory for December 17, 2015 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.

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Scott · Dec 21, 2015

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Avalanche Advisory for December 19, 2015

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The current avalanche danger is MODERATE in the West Central Montana Backcountry. Natural avalanches are unlikely, human triggered avalanches are possible. Heightened avalanche conditions may exist in isolated terrain.
Good morning this is Logan King with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s backcountry avalanche advisory for Saturday, December 19th. This information is the responsibility of the Forest Service and does not apply to operating ski areas and expires at midnight.

WEATHER AND SNOWPACK
The region has seen an additional 2-6 inches overnight bringing many mountain locations to well over a foot in the past 48 hours. Current temperatures for mountain locations in West Central Montana are in the mid to upper 20’sF and ridge top winds are light gusting to about 10mph primarily out of the NW.
The main avalanche concern continues to be loose dry avalanches. The new snow, for the most part is bonding well and has not been showing any signs of propagation in stability tests (video). Loose snow avalanches are often smaller in size but the risk is dependent on the terrain, so carefully consider consequences of getting caught in a slide even if it is a small slide.
Storm slabs are the secondary avalanche concern for the advisory area. Although they are not very reactive in stability tests with continued loading they may become reactive. The majority of the area has seen over a foot of snow in the last few days and is continuing to get more load so be aware that a tipping point may soon be reached and stay aware of changes throughout the day.
Faceted grains can still be found in nearly all pits in the advisory area, that said they appear to be moving towards rounds and strengthening but this can be a slow process. These persistent facets may still be reactive in cold and shallow snowpacks.

WEATHER AND AVALANCHE FORECAST
The forecast is calling for continued snow and colder temperatures. As more snow is added to the snowpack not only do the size of avalanches increase but they will potentially become more sensitive as well. Pay close attention to conditions as they change during the day. The forecast is also predicting continued moisture through mid week so stay safe and enjoy the snow while we have it, remember it is an El Nino after all.
Travis will issue the next advisory on Tuesday, December 22.

moderate

The post Avalanche Advisory for December 19, 2015 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.

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Scott · Dec 22, 2015

Posted:
Dec 22, 2015 @ 6:51 am

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The avalanche danger is rated Considerable in the west central Montana backcountry above 6000 feet. Human-triggered avalanches are likely. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision making are essential.
Good morning, this is Travis Craft with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for December 22, 2015. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas, expires at midnight tonight (Dec.22) and is the sole responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service.
Weather and Snowpack
Winds are currently 25 mph out of the WSW and gusting to 35 mph. Temperatures in the region are 19 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit. The advisory area is reporting varied amounts of new snow this morning, ranging from 2 inches to 8 inches from our local Snotels.
The current storm in our advisory area came in with strong winds starting around 3 pm yesterday. The primary avalanche problem today are wind slabs that have formed and are forming on leeward terrain. Observers noted fresh wind slabs when touring yesterday in the Rattlesnake. These slabs are now increasing in size with new snow available for transport and may be sitting on a poor snow structure (basal facets). Cautious route-finding and conservative decision making are necessary tools in traveling today.
The second avalanche problem is a persistent slab that is failing on the basal facets. These facets are rounding on some aspects, but in shallow snowpacks and colder aspects they are reactive in our stability tests. Observers reported these facets to be reactive on north aspects in the Rattlesnake and in shallow snowpacks in the Swan (obs). These facets are found throughout our area and the only way to find them is to dig into the snowpack (obs2). This slab may become more reactive with new loading.
The third concern is dry loose avalanches. These surface instabilities will be small, but could cause a problem if they take you into a terrain trap such as a gully, tree or cliff.
Avalanche and Weather Outlook
The advisory area is continuing to receive snow with totals predicted to be close to a foot in the high elevations along with strong winds through Wednesday. With the new load and strong winds the avalanche danger will rise. New loading and strong winds are two bullseye clues that show the stability is decreasing. Also with the new loading, the persistent slab sitting on the basal facets could become more reactive.
I will issue the next advisory on Christmas Eve, December 24. Ski and ride safe.

Scott · Dec 22, 2015

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Avalanche Advisory for December 22, 2015

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The avalanche danger is rated Considerable in the west central Montana backcountry above 6000 feet. Human-triggered avalanches are likely. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision making are essential.
Good morning, this is Travis Craft with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for December 22, 2015. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas, expires at midnight tonight (Dec.22) and is the sole responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service.
Weather and Snowpack
Winds are currently 25 mph out of the WSW and gusting to 35 mph. Temperatures in the region are 19 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit. The advisory area is reporting varied amounts of new snow this morning, ranging from 2 inches to 8 inches from our local Snotels.
The current storm in our advisory area came in with strong winds starting around 3 pm yesterday. The primary avalanche problem today are wind slabs that have formed and are forming on leeward terrain. Observers noted fresh wind slabs when touring yesterday in the Rattlesnake. These slabs are now increasing in size with new snow available for transport and may be sitting on a poor snow structure (basal facets). Cautious route-finding and conservative decision making are necessary tools in traveling today.
The second avalanche problem is a persistent slab that is failing on the basal facets. These facets are rounding on some aspects, but in shallow snowpacks and colder aspects they are reactive in our stability tests. Observers reported these facets to be reactive on north aspects in the Rattlesnake and in shallow snowpacks in the Swan (obs). These facets are found throughout our area and the only way to find them is to dig into the snowpack (obs2). This slab may become more reactive with new loading.
The third concern is dry loose avalanches. These surface instabilities will be small, but could cause a problem if they take you into a terrain trap such as a gully, tree or cliff.
Avalanche and Weather Outlook
The advisory area is continuing to receive snow with totals predicted to be close to a foot in the high elevations along with strong winds through Wednesday. With the new load and strong winds the avalanche danger will rise. New loading and strong winds are two bullseye clues that show the stability is decreasing. Also with the new loading, the persistent slab sitting on the basal facets could become more reactive.
I will issue the next advisory on Christmas Eve, December 24. Ski and ride safe.

considerable

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Scott · Jan 3, 2016

Avalanche Advisory for December 24, 2015

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The avalanche danger is rated CONSIDERABLE in the west central Montana backcountry. Human-triggered avalanches are likely. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision making are essential.
Good morning, this is Travis Craft with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for December 24, 2015. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas, expires at midnight tonight (Dec.24) and is the sole responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service.
Weather and Snowpack
Mountain temperatures are ranging from 12 F to the low 20’s F. Winds are light with gusts 7 mph out of the South. The advisory area received between 2 and 7 inches of new snow in the last 24 hours.
The primary avalanche problem is the persistent “Thanksgiving slab”. This slab is becoming more reactive with the new loading. Steve and I found the facets in the southern Swan and they propagated in our stability tests(pit). Dudley was in the Rattlesnake and had similar failures on the basal facets. This layer can be found on shaded aspects and in shallow snowpacks. The only way to find this layer is to dig into the snowpack. This is a spooky problem and the only red flag is found in the pit.
The second problem is loose dry avalanches or storm slab avalanches. Depending on how much snow was deposited by the storm cycle, either can occur. In the southern Swan we saw a storm slab and in the Rattlesnake which received less snow, Dudley saw loose dry avalanches.
In the advisory area, we have found the “Thanksgiving slab” on many different aspects and at all elevations. In some areas we have had some bullseye data (collapsing or whumpfing), but in most situations the only red flag is in our snow pits. You need to dig to find this clue to instability. Conservative decision making is must.
Weather and Avalanche Outlook
The forecast continues to call for light to moderate accumulations of snow for today and tonight. I would expect the avalanche danger to stay at considerable with this forecast.
Ski and ride safe. I will issue the next advisory on Saturday, December 26.
Happy holidays!

considerable

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Scott · Jan 3, 2016

Avalanche Advisory for December 26, 2015

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The avalanche danger is rated CONSIDERABLE in the west central Montana backcountry. Human-triggered avalanches are likely. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision making are essential.
Good morning, this is Travis Craft with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for December 26, 2015. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas, expires at midnight tonight (Dec.26) and is the sole responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service.
Weather and Snowpack
Today, mountain temperatures are in the low to mid teen’s. Winds are 19 mph with gusts of 25 mph out of the west. Our advisory area has received 2 to 3 inches of new snow.
The main avalanche concern today is the persistent slab that is failing on the basal facets that formed during the Thanksgiving deep freeze. This layer is most reactive in shaded and shallow snowpacks. On warmer aspects and slopes with deeper snowpacks this layer can be less sensitive. If you are recreating in avalanche terrain the only red flag for slope instability is found in your pit, especially with this layer. Dig in the snowpack before you enter avalanche terrain to assess how reactive these basal facets are.
The second avalanche problem is loose dry avalanches. These avalanches can be small, but may be a problem if they take you into terrain traps (gullies, tress and cliffs).
Avalanche and Weather Outlook
Light to moderate accumulations of snow are predicted for today. This evening a cool air mass is predicted to enter the area and will lead to drier conditions with the possibility of a temperature inversion. The persistent slab will still be with us so the avalanche danger will stay the same.
Ski and ride safe this holiday weekend. If you are out, send us a public observation of what you find. I will issue the next advisory on Tuesday, December 29th.

considerable

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Scott · Jan 3, 2016

Avalanche Advisory for December 29, 2015

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The current avalanche danger is Moderate in the west central Montana backcountry. Human triggered avalanches are possible. Heightened avalanche conditions exist in isolated terrain.
Good morning, this is Travis Craft with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for December 29, 2015. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas, expires at midnight tonight (Dec.29) and is the sole responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service.
Weather and Snowpack
Today, winds are calm in the region. Mountain temperatures are in the teens. The advisory area received a small amount of snow in the last 24 hours
Steve and I toured in the Rattlesnake yesterday and found a healing snowpack. The primary avalanche concern today is the persistent slab that is failing on the basal facets from Thanksgiving. This layer is not propagating in our tests and the facets are rounding. The only way to find this layer is to dig in the snow and see if the layer is reactive. A skier could possibly trigger this layer in spots on slopes (wind scoured ridgelines, rock out crops, and tree clusters) that have shallower snowpacks. Terrain management is key today.
The second avalanche problem is loose dry avalanches. These avalanches are small in size and are not a problem unless they take you into a terrain trap (trees, gullies and cliffs). Always look at slopes and assess the consequences of the terrain.
Avalanche and Weather Outlook
Scattered showers will continue through today with light accumulations of snow. By Wednesday, high pressure should move into the advisory area. I would expect the avalanche danger to stay the same with this weather forecast.
I will issue the last advisory for 2015 on New Years Eve, Thursday, December 31, 2015. Ski and ride safe.

moderate

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Scott · Jan 3, 2016

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Avalanche Advisory for December 31, 2015

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The current avalanche danger is MODERATE in the west central Montana backcountry. Human triggered avalanches are possible. Heightened avalanche conditions exist in isolated terrain.
Good morning, this is Travis Craft with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for December 31, 2015. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas, expires at midnight tonight (Dec.31) and is the sole responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service.
Weather and Snowpack
A high pressure system is moving into our advisory area later today. Winds are 6 mph with gusts of 13 out of the NNW. The region received trace amounts of new snow. Temperatures are 7 to 10 degrees F in the mountains.
Dudley and I toured near Lost Trail Pass yesterday and Steve was in the Rattlesnake. We all observed a healing snowpack. Dudley and I observed large surface hoar growth in the Bitterroots.
The primary avalanche problem is the persistent slab which is failing on basal facets. This weak layer is unreactive in deeper snowpacks ( > 100 cm). In shallower snowpacks (<100 cm) it can be triggered. Terrain evaluation is key, avoid likely trigger points (rock outcrops, tree clusters, and wind scoured ridges) that have a shallower snowpack. This layer is giving us no bullseye data like collapsing or whumphing. The only way to assess this layer is to dig and see if it gives unstable results in your pit tests.
The second problem is dry loose snow avalanches. In the Rattlesnake and the southern Bitterroots, on slopes >35 degrees, natural releases were observed. These are not a problem unless they take you into a terrain trap (trees, cliffs, and gullies).
The third avalanche problem is a wind slab that formed in the last storm. These are on leeward slopes at elevations above 7000 feet. These are hard to trigger because they are very stiff. Look for wind slabs on ridgelines and cross loaded slopes.
Avalanche and Weather Outlook
The advisory area should have light accumulations of snow this morning. This afternoon, a high pressure system moves in and becomes the dominant force through the weekend. I would expect the avalanche danger to stay the same with these conditions. We observed surface hoar in the southern Bitterroots. This will be the next weak layer once it is buried.
Ski and ride safe. We have a new beacon park set up in Seeley Lake area by the Driftriders warming hut. The other beacon parks are located at the top of Snowbowl, the top of chair 2 at Lost Trail, and Lolo Pass near the visitors center. Logan King will issue the next advisory on January 02, 2016. Happy New Year!

moderate

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Scott · Jan 3, 2016

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Avalanche Advisory for January 2, 2016

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The current avalanche danger is MODERATE in the West Central Montana Backcountry. Natural avalanches are unlikely, human triggered avalanches are possible. Heightened avalanche conditions may exist in isolated terrain, specifically cold, shaded, or shallow areas.
Good morning this is Logan King with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s backcountry avalanche advisory for Saturday, January 2nd. This information is the responsibility of the Forest Service and does not apply to operating ski areas and expires at midnight.

WEATHER AND SNOWPACK
High pressure continues to dominate the region and a strong inversion will be setting up today and persisting through the weekend. Current temperatures for mountain locations in West Central Montana are in the teens and 20’s and ridge top winds are 23mph gusting to 30mph. The main avalanche concern are persistent weak layers of facets. The facets are in isolated areas and are most reactive on cold shaded aspects or areas where the snowpack is thin.
We observed propagation on the basal facets in a pit on a cold shaded aspect yesterday (video) (profile). You have to dig to locate the facets and determine how reactive they are, but remember a pit can only tells us if the snow is unstable, never use pit results to determine that a slope is “stable”. The only pit result that should affect your decision is an unstable result.
The secondary avalanche concern are windslabs, again this is a localized problem on lee terrain. Reports from the Seeley Lake area yesterday showed that recent winds over the last few days have added to the slab and the wind slabs are still reactive (pic).
Lastly if you are above the clouds, day time temperatures are mild and solar radiation is intense, creating the potential for loose wet slab cycles in the afternoon. In the Rattlesnake yesterday one small loose natural slide (pic) was observed in the afternoon and rollerballs were also seen later in the day. Be aware of conditions as they change throughout the day, and adjust travel plans accordingly.

WEATHER AND AVALANCHE FORECAST
With the current high pressure system the likely hood of any new snow in the next few days is minimal. The inversion will cause cold clear nights and calm bluebird days at high elevations. Surface hoar and near surface facets will likely develop over the next few days but the distribution will be dependent on cloud layer levels. The new surface hoar and near surface facets may become a problem as they get buried in the snowpack once snow returns to the advisory area.
Travis will issue the next advisory on Tuesday, January 5th.

moderate

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Scott · Jan 5, 2016

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Avalanche Advisory for January 5, 2016

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The current avalanche danger is Low in the west central Montana backcountry. Conditions are generally safe but it is possible to find unstable snow in isolated areas particularly on shaded terrain steeper than 35 degrees above 7000 feet. There is always some chance of triggering an avalanche if you recreate or travel on slopes 35 degrees and steeper.
Good morning, this is Travis Craft with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for January 05, 2016. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas, expires at midnight tonight (Jan.05) and is the sole responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service.
Weather and Snowpack
Today mountain temperatures are in the high 20’s or above freezing. Winds are 9 mph with gusts of 14 mph out of the East. The advisory area has received no new snow.
The mild temperatures above 6000 feet have helped to stabilize our snowpack. Low hazard means that conditions are relatively safe. Specific terrain has lingering instabilities. Shaded steep slopes above 7000 feet are where we are finding the Thanksgiving facets to still show some signs of instability. I would recommend that you dig a pit and look for this layer. On Monday in the Rattlesnake we found this layer was reactive on a shaded steep slope. The Rattlesnake is the only area that we are getting any signs of instability on the basal facets. There is always some chance of triggering an avalanche if you recreate or travel on slopes 35 degrees and steeper.
Tim and I toured in the northern Bitterroots yesterday and found a well bonded snowpack. The weather was above freezing and mild above 7000 feet. We found some isolated pockets of wind slabs, Steve found a similar problem in the Rattlesnake. With the warmer temperatures we saw trees shedding snow and on sun exposed slopes, a melt freeze crust. Steve reported finding a melt freeze crust too. Tim and I found pockets of surface hoar where the sun and wind had not beaten it down. These new surfaces will be our future layers of concern with the addition of new snow.
Avalanche and Weather Outlook
This weather flow will continue with strong inversions. Some mountain locations are above freezing this morning. There is a chance of a disturbance to come in today and drop a small amount of new snow. With this weather pattern I would expect the avalanche danger to stay the same. With a warming surface snowpack look for clues such as rollerballs, they are signs that loose wet avalanches could be triggered.
I will issue the next advisory on January 07. Ski and ride safe.

low

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Scott · Jan 7, 2016

Missoula Avalanche
Avalanche Advisory for January 7, 2016

low danger
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The current avalanche danger is LOW in the west central Montana backcountry. Conditions are generally safe, but it is possible to find unstable snow in isolated areas. There is always a chance of triggering an avalanche if you recreate or travel on slopes 35 degrees and steeper.

Good morning, this is Travis Craft with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s avalanche advisory for January 07, 2016. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas, expires at midnight tonight and is the sole responsibility of the U.S. Forest Service.

Weather and Snowpack

Today mountain temperatures are between 25 and 30 F. Winds are 13 mph with gusts of 15 mph out of the NNW. The advisory area has received 1 to 2 new inches of snow in the last 24 hours.

Tim and I toured in the Rattlesnake yesterday and we found a very well bonded snowpack. The basal facets from Thanksgiving were not reactive in our stability tests. We dug pits on shaded cold aspects and found the facets, but they did not propagate in any of our tests. The facets are rounding because of the mild temperatures we have had in the mountains. I would recommend digging a pit on steep slopes to see if this layer is sensitive to triggers.

The high pressure system changed our snow surfaces. We observed surface hoar in isolated pockets, melt freeze crusts and wind scoured slopes. These are found on different aspects and will be the layers of new concern with the new snow of today. With the small amount of new snow look for very small dry loose snow avalanches. These should not be a problem unless they take you into a terrain trap(gully, tree, or cliff).

Remember, LOW hazard does not mean no avalanches, it means that it is unlikely to trigger one. There are still instabilities out there in isolated areas.

Weather and Avalanche Outlook

The area is receiving light precipitation right now. Expect this trend to continue with light accumulations till Saturday. The avalanche danger will slowly increase with small accumulations of snow.

Logan will issue the next advisory on Saturday. Ski and ride safe.

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Scott · Jan 9, 2016

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Avalanche Advisory for January 9, 2016

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The current avalanche danger for the West Central Montana Backcountry is LOW. Avalanches can still occur in isolated areas.
Good morning this is Logan King with the West Central Montana Avalanche Center’s backcountry avalanche advisory for Saturday, January 9th. This information is the responsibility of the Forest Service and does not apply to operating ski areas and expires at midnight.

WEATHER AND SNOWPACK
Light snow was seen throughout the region yesterday and last night, snow accumulations were minimal and ranged from 1-3 inches across the advisory area. Mountain temperatures are averaging about 20 degrees this morning and ridge top winds are currently 17mph gusting to 22mph out of the WNW at Point Six.
The main avalanche concern continues to be persistent week layers of basal facets and some isolated pockets of surface hoar and near surface facets. The facets are continuing to shift towards rounds but may become reactive under a new load or where the facets can be triggered more easily such as shallow or rocky areas. The facets are not very widespread so keep a close eye out for the areas where the facets may be lingering.
Loose snow avalanches are the secondary concern. The loose snow avalanches will not be widespread but more likely localized to steeper terrain and areas where the new snow is falling on a hard surface like a crust. Avoid terrain traps if you suspect a slope may be susceptible to loose snow slides.
Keep in mind that there is always a possibility for an avalanche if you are in avalanche terrain. A LOW avalanche danger doesn’t mean no avalanche danger. Avalanches are unlikely but can still occur in isolated terrain.

WEATHER AND AVALANCHE FORECAST
Light intermittent flurries will continue through tonight and into Sunday. Avalanche conditions will likely remain the same through the day but may increase if any of the localized flurries produce a significant new load.
The next advisory will be issued on Tuesday January 12th.
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April 9, 2016 W. Central Montana avalanche report--READ THIS REPORT--> "NO RATING"--

Scott Stiegler

Scott Stiegler

Scott Stiegler

Scott Stiegler

Scott Stiegler

Scott Stiegler

Scott Stiegler

Scott Stiegler

Scott Stiegler

Scott Stiegler

Scott Stiegler

Scott Stiegler

Scott Stiegler

Scott Stiegler

Scott Stiegler

Scott Stiegler

Scott Stiegler

Scott Stiegler

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