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Good morning, this Dudley Improta with a snow conditions update for December, 6, 2014. We will begin regular avalanche advisories on Friday, December 12.
Warm mountain temperatures have helped stabilize the snowpack in our area. Weather and SNOTEL stations this morning are showing temperatures just above freezing at elevations up to 6000 feet and temperatures in the high 20’s up to 8000 feet. The Stuart Mountain SNOTEL shows that the Rattlesnake snowpack has settled 3 inches in the last 48 hours. These are good signs for stability.<O
We were able to clean the rime off the wind speed and wind direction devices on Point Six yesterday. The station indicates southwest winds changed to east and southeast winds last night. The winds have been blowing 8 to 17 mph.<O</O
Steve could get the facets that formed in November to fail yesterday in snow pits; but the failures were not showing much energy. All this is good compared to what we were hearing 10 days ago.<O</O
There is always some avalanche problem to consider. For now I would still not trust the facets on the bottom of the snowpack. I would be particularly wary of areas with relatively shallow snow and areas with rocky outcrops or cliffs. Rock formations typically hold these facets for a long time. The other possible problems might be loose wet snow sluffs or small wind slabs.
<O</OWeather Forecast and Avalanche Outlook<O</O
A fast-moving system is predicted to pass through the region tonight. This disturbance could produce higher winds and up to 6 inches of snow at elevations above 7000 feet. This storm could increase the chances of wind slabs on leeward slopes at the higher elevations.
<O</O
Early Season Tune-up<O</O
The snow has arrived and the early season “keeners” have already been logging vertical. Take some time to go through your avalanche gear and make sure you’re ready for recreating in the mountains.
1. Check your transceiver(s) and put in fresh batteries; check for corrosion. Run through a few practice drills with your transceivers.<O</O2. Pull out your probes and shovels and put them together. Consider putting a little lubrication on the joints and parts that fit together. Check your shovel blades and shafts for cracks or weaknesses.<O</O
3. Go through your “possibles” ; your first aid and repair kits. Clean them out, reorganize the contents, make sure you have what you think you may need. Check your fire starting kit; perhaps put in fresh materials.<O</O
4. Meet with your backcountry partners and practice several rescue scenarios, including multiple burials, deep burials, probing, and shoveling.<O</O
5. Look into avalanche training if you haven’t already taken a course. If you’re going to ride or ski slopes over 30 degrees you can never be 100% sure the slope won’t fail. You need to hedge your bets.<O</O
6. Maybe take that 3-year-old power bar out of your pack and put a new one in.<O</O
West Central Montana Avalanche Center
406-329-3752 cell 406-370-3371
info@missoulaavalanche.org<O</O
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There is MODERATE avalanche danger in the west central Montana backcountry above 7000 feet, on slopes steeper than 35degrees. Slab avalanches are possible on steep slopes (>35 deg.) that have a relatively shallow snowpack and have rocky outcrops or cliffs. Any rain on the snow will increase the chances of a slab avalanche and/or the chance of small surface slides. The avalanche danger is LOW in other terrain in the advisory area.<o></o>
Good Morning, this is Dudley Improta with the west central Montana avalanche advisory for December 12, 2014. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas and expires at midnight tonight (Dec. 12).<o></o>
Weather and Snowpack<o></o>
This morning mountain winds are blowing out of the south and east at 7 to 16 mph and gusting into the 30 mph range . Mountain temperatures are above freezing up to 8000 feet.<o></o>
Warm temperatures have strengthened the snowpack. Snotels across the advisory area indicate the snow has settled anywhere from 3 to 6 inches over the last 3 days; a sign of stability.<o></o>
But, we are still seeing facets at the bottom of the snowpack created in the November cold spell. At higher elevations (>7000 feet) on steep slopes (>35 degrees), particularly where there is rocky terrain, it’s possible this layer could produce a large slab avalanche.<o></o>
The top layer of wet snow could release on steep slopes as well. These wet sluffs would be small and not nearly as consequential as a slab from the ground level.<o></o>
Any rain on the snow will increase the chance of either one of these events.<o></o>
Weather Forecast and Avalanche Outlook<o></o>
There is a chance of rain in the mountains today, and again the temperatures up to 8000 feet may reach into the 40’s (F). Temperatures are predicted to drop tonight and snow levels may lower. The higher elevations may pick up 1 to 3 inches of snow. Winds may gust out of the south and west up to 30 mph. Although the snow predicted is modest, it may be deposited on a melt-freeze crust and accumulate on lee slopes. I would expect the avalanche danger to rise ever so slightly.<o></o>
The snow predicted reminds me of Calvin, from Calvin and Hobbes, who said “an inch of snow is like winning 10 cents in the lottery”. At this point, however, we’ll take what we can get.<o></o>
Public observations can be important to the avalanche advisory and to riders and skiers. If you would like send in snow observations use our public observations form or e-mail us at info@missoulaavalanche.org .<o></o>
It’s early season out there, so be aware of the hazards associated with a low snowpack; i.e rocks, trees, downfall, etc. Ski and ride safe; have a great weekend.<o></o>
Steve will issue the next advisory on Tuesday, December 16.<o></o>
moderate<o></o>
The post Avalanche Advisory for December 12, 2014 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.<o></o>
<o></o>
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.<o></o>
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE in the west central Montana backcountry. Weak snow can still be found near the base of the snowpack in many locations above 7000 feet. Moderate temperatures this past week have strengthened this layer but it can’t be completely trusted. The moderate rating applies to terrain steeper than 35 degrees above 7000 feet. We’re finding the weakest snow structure in shallow snow in rocky terrain. The avalanche danger is LOW at other locations.<o></o>
Hello! This is Steve Karkanen with the backcountry avalanche advisory for December 16, 2014 from the West Central Montana Avalanche Center. This information does not apply to operating ski areas and the danger rating expires at midnight tonight.<o></o>
<o></o>
Weather and Snowpack<o></o>
This morning mountain temperatures are in the teens with no precipitation the past 24 hours.<o></o>
Weather conditions of the past few days have helped strengthen overall snowpack stability. We’re still finding and getting reports of the early November facets failing in stability tests with propagation at this layer. This is most apparent in rocky areas where the snow is less than 4 feet deep. Wherever these facets exist, I would be suspicious of the steepest terrain and places where the snow is deep enough to cover anchors. It’s worth doing a little digging to see if the slope you want to ski or ride on has this condition.<o></o>
Providing that we don’t drop back into an arctic deep freeze and it keeps snowing, we can expect this (deep persistent weakness) to no longer be an issue for us after a few more days. Our attention now turns to what is happening at the surface. The moderate weather improves stability but clear dry conditions weaken the snow surface. Surface hoar was noted yesterday at several locations above 7000′ as well as small grain facets forming due to the temperature differences at the snow/air interface. This will most likely be the next problem to be aware of the next time it snows heavily.<o></o>
<o></o>
Weather and Avalanche Forecast<o></o>
The Missoula Office of the National Weather Service is forecasting a weak ridge to move through the area this week with only minimal precipitation amounts. A more robust system is expected to arrive by early next week. Stay tuned.<o></o>
Expect continued strengthening of the snowpack with the higher and more shaded terrain holding weak snow longer than sun exposed terrain.<o></o>
<o></o>
We’ve received several great reports so far this winter. If you get out and see something worth passing along, you can use our public observations form or e-mail us at info@missoulaavalanche.org . The information you share may save a life!<o></o>
I will issue the next advisory on Friday, December 19.<o></o>
moderate<o></o>
The post Avalanche Advisory for December 16, 2014 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.<o></o>
<o></o>
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.<o></o>
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Mostly stable conditions exist with MODERATE avalanche danger in isolated areas above 7000 feet where the snow is shallow and on rocky terrain steeper than 35 degrees. The avalanche danger is LOW on other high elevation terrain. The lower elevation terrain is fairly locked up now thanks to the moderate temperatures and melt-freeze cycles of the past few days.<o></o>
Good morning backcountry sliders and riders! This is Steve Karkanen with today’s avalanche advisory from the West Central Montana Avalanche Center. This information is the responsibility of the Forest Service and does not apply to operating ski areas. The danger rating expires at midnight tonight.<o></o>
<o></o>
Weather and Snowpack<o></o>
This morning SNOTEL stations are reporting temperatures in the twenties and low thirties. Wind speeds this morning are SSE 3 gusting to 11 at Point Six and SSE 16 gusting to 20 mph at Deer Mountain at east of Darby. Hoodoo picked up 4 inches new snow and North Fork Jocko 7 inches in the past 24 hours.<o></o>
Our moderate weather has given us more confidence that the overall condition of the weak basal layers has vastly improved over the past 2 weeks. Although its unlikely, shaded, shallow snow on steep rocky terrain above 7000 feet are the places where it is possible to trigger a slide to the ground on this persistent weakness.<o></o>
In the Lost Trail Pass backcountry, Ed Snook, Dave Fox, Geoff Fast and Dudley found this layer to be reactive only after a lot of force is applied to an isolated column and no propagation in extended column tests (see profile below).<o></o>
They did report finding the surface hoar that formed earlier in the week but there wasn’t enough new snow to make it reactive or to form a slab.<o></o>
David Williams, Justin Singer and I visited Hoodoo Pass Thursday and did not find the surface hoar. I expect the sun destroyed it in many places Wednesday. What we found at Hoodoo was a nearly isothermic snowpack with a surface condition hard enough to walk around on. The depth hoar that formed in early December is mostly gone in fact the bottom 16 inches is solid (1 finger to pencil hard) and wet. Similar conditions exist around Lolo Pass.<o></o>
Earlier reports from the Rattlesnake and southern Swan also show continued strengthening of the overall snowpack.<o></o>
It is easy to move around now but remember, it is early and there are a lot of other hazards like rocks, logs and stumps poking out just waiting to tear your sled up or rip the edges off your skis or board.<o></o>
<o></o>
Weather and Avalanche Forecast<o></o>
The Missoula Office of the National Weather Service is forecasting heavy wet snow to begin Saturday with Bitterroot mountain passes expected to receive between 4 and 12 inches before the event transitions from snowfall to heavy rain by Sunday. The snow level is expected to rise to about 6000 feet before precipitation decreases and a more northwesterly flow with cooler air allows snow levels to drop back to pass elevations.<o></o>
The first time either melt water or rain is introduced to snow, it causes it to become unstable. A lot of weight is added quickly and the water percolates down to a weak layer or harder bed surface.<o></o>
Expect the avalanche danger to slowly increase with any new snow and wind but as soon as it starts raining, the avalanche danger will rapidly increase to CONSIDERABLE possibly HIGH. Keep informed of weather developments and get off and out from under anything steep enough to slide.<o></o>
Dudley issues the next advisory on Tuesday, December 23.<o></o>
Enjoy the snow and be safe this weekend.<o></o>
moderate<o></o>
The post Avalanche Advisory for December 19, 2014 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.<o></o>
<o></o>
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.<o></o>
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<TABLE class=MsoNormalTable style="BORDER-TOP: #dddddd 1pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #dddddd 1pt solid; WIDTH: 6.25in; BACKGROUND: white; BORDER-BOTTOM: #dddddd 1pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: #dddddd 1pt solid; mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid #DDDDDD .75pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=600 border=1> <TBODY> <TR style="mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes"> <TD style="BORDER-TOP: #dddddd; BORDER-RIGHT: #dddddd; BORDER-BOTTOM: #dddddd; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; PADDING-TOP: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: #dddddd; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" vAlign=top><TABLE class=MsoNormalTable style="WIDTH: 6.25in; BACKGROUND: black; mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=600 border=0> <TBODY> <TR style="mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes"> <TD style="BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; PADDING-TOP: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent"> <?xml:namespace prefix = "o" ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o></TD></TR><!-- // End Template Header \\ --> <TR style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes"> <TD style="BORDER-TOP: #dddddd; BORDER-RIGHT: #dddddd; BORDER-BOTTOM: #dddddd; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; PADDING-TOP: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: #dddddd; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" vAlign=top>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=MsoNormalTable style="WIDTH: 6.25in; mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=600 border=0> <TBODY> <TR style="mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes"> <TD style="BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BACKGROUND: white; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; PADDING-TOP: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in" vAlign=top> <TABLE class=MsoNormalTable style="WIDTH: 100%; mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; mso-padding-alt: 15.0pt 15.0pt 15.0pt 15.0pt" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR style="mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes"> <TD style="BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; PADDING-BOTTOM: 15pt; PADDING-TOP: 15pt; PADDING-LEFT: 15pt; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; PADDING-RIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" vAlign=top> Avalanche Warning for December 22, 2014<o></o><!-- // End Template Body \\ --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
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View Full Advisory »<o></o>
An avalanche warning for HIGH avalanche danger continues for the mountains above 6000 feet in west central Montana.<o></o>
Good morning, this is Steve Karkanen with an update to the warning issued by the West Central Montana Avalanche yesterday. The warning expires at midnight tonight.<o></o>
The heavy snowfalls and high winds that blasted western Montana this weekend have mostly abated. Most SNOTEL locations picked up anywhere from a half inch of SWE at Hoodoo to 2.5 inches at Twin Lakes.<o></o>
We received several reports of triggered avalanche activity in the Bitterroot range near Lost Horse and Hoodoo Pass and we remotely triggered several wind and storm snow slabs in the Rattlesnake yesterday.<o></o>
The avalanche danger is HIGH on terrain steeper than 35 degrees.<o></o>
We plan to get again today and Dudley will issue the regular advisory tomorrow morning.<o></o>
high<o></o>
The post Avalanche Warning for December 22, 2014 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.<o></o>
<o></o>
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.<o></o>
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<TABLE class=MsoNormalTable style="BORDER-TOP: #dddddd 1pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: #dddddd 1pt solid; WIDTH: 6.25in; BACKGROUND: white; BORDER-BOTTOM: #dddddd 1pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: #dddddd 1pt solid; mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid #DDDDDD .75pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=600 border=1> <TBODY> <TR style="mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes"> <TD style="BORDER-TOP: #dddddd; BORDER-RIGHT: #dddddd; BORDER-BOTTOM: #dddddd; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; PADDING-TOP: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: #dddddd; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" vAlign=top><TABLE class=MsoNormalTable style="WIDTH: 6.25in; BACKGROUND: black; mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=600 border=0> <TBODY> <TR style="mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes"> <TD style="BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; PADDING-TOP: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent"> <?xml:namespace prefix = "o" ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o></TD></TR><!-- // End Template Header \\ --> <TR style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes"> <TD style="BORDER-TOP: #dddddd; BORDER-RIGHT: #dddddd; BORDER-BOTTOM: #dddddd; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; PADDING-TOP: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: #dddddd; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" vAlign=top>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=MsoNormalTable style="WIDTH: 6.25in; mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=600 border=0> <TBODY> <TR style="mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes"> <TD style="BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BACKGROUND: white; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; PADDING-TOP: 0in; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in" vAlign=top> <TABLE class=MsoNormalTable style="WIDTH: 100%; mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; mso-padding-alt: 15.0pt 15.0pt 15.0pt 15.0pt" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR style="mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes"> <TD style="BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; PADDING-BOTTOM: 15pt; PADDING-TOP: 15pt; PADDING-LEFT: 15pt; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; PADDING-RIGHT: 15pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" vAlign=top> Avalanche Advisory for December 23, 2014<o></o><!-- // End Template Body \\ --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
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View Full Advisory »<o></o>
On slopes above 6000 feet that are steeper than 30 degrees, the avalanche danger is considerable in the west central Montana backcountry. We have rescinded the avalanche warning issued Sunday afternoon; but snow and high winds have loaded steep slopes and human-triggered avalanches are still likely.<o></o>
Good Morning, this is Dudley Improta with the west central Montana avalanche advisory for December 23, 2014. This danger rating does not apply to operating ski areas and expires at midnight tonight (Dec. 23).<o></o>
Weather and Snowpack<o></o>
Relatively nice weather is on tap for today. Mountain temperature are ranging from 14 – 25 degrees F. West and southwest winds are blowing 11-14 mph and gusting into the 20 mph range. This will be short lived, as another storm is expected tonight.<o></o>
Snow accompanied by high winds created dangerous avalanche conditions the past two days. Steve and I triggered remote avalanches Sunday and we received good observations from the public, reporting natural and triggered avalanches.<o></o>
Yesterday we took a tour in the Rattlesnakes and our observations indicated the snow had settled out somewhat; but there were plenty of signs a slide could be triggered. We observed many natural releases that propagated up to 100 yards; and our snow pit tests showed the slab strengthening but retaining energy.<o></o>
The Snowbowl Patrol was able to trigger a lot of activity with explosives. Cross-loaded southwest couloirs produced slab avalanches; with the most leeward areas seeing crowns up to 2 feet. Again, in the most leeward areas, they experienced extensive whoomphing, settlement and cracking.<o></o>
I would expect the snow to be even more sensitive in the central and southern (Lost Trail Pass backcountry) Bitterroots because of the increased snow load in these areas over the past couple of days.<o></o>
All this tells me, that although we may be past the crux of this cycle, instabilities in the snowpack can be triggered. I would tiptoe around for another day or two. That being said, more storms are on the way, and tiptoeing may be standard operating procedure for a while.<o></o>
Weather Forecast and Avalanche Outlook<o></o>
Brief high pressure will build into the area today. Another storm is expected to move through on Wednesday and Thursday. This storm may produce 6 to 8 inches of snow. Winds, mainly out of the west and southwest, will be less than what we have experienced; but still strong enough to move the new snow. I would expect the avalanche danger on steep terrain to remain elevated for the immediate future.<o></o>
Steve will issue the next advisory on Boxing Day, 2014 (Friday). Ski and ride safe, have a great holiday.<o></o>
Public observations can be important to the avalanche advisory and to riders and skiers. If you would like to send us snow observations use our public observations form or e-mail us at info@missoulaavalanche.org .<o></o>
considerable<o></o>
The post Avalanche Advisory for December 23, 2014 appeared first on Missoula Avalanche.<o></o>
<o></o>
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.<o></o>
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