Rattlesnake Snow Stability Test January 3, 2010

This Extended Column Test on a 38 degree North aspect slope clearly demonstrates why we are concerned about the overall safety of our snowpack in Western Montana. 10 minutes earlier this same test failed on isolation. All our stability tests, weather history and the amount and type of snowfall we have received as well as reports from other backcountry riders in our advisory area indicate that this buried faceted layer ( depth hoar) remains a potential problem on steep open slopes for several more days and weeks. Every slope steeper than 35 degrees and every aspect above 7000 feet needs to be treated as if it could kill you until proven otherwise. This is scary stuff! We don't see it in western Montana very often but the years we have it are the years we see large deadly avalanches. This situation is similar to last years snowpack and probably more dangerous in some areas.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Rattlesnake Wilderness
• ECT snow stability test
• snow safety
• avalanche
• missoulaavalanche