West Central Montana Avalanche Center

Calm at pit site (0-5; gusts to 10); Strong winds on ridgelines (15-20; gusts to 40)

NW Aspect; 7380 feet; 12cms overnight/ 22cms past 48hrs; After CT, we performed two PST on two suspect weak layers at 100 and 130cms deep in snowpack. Observed natural D2 avalanche on NE aspect below large cornice on heavily windloaded slope on common 400 foot avalanche path.

Wind affected location on NW aspect of 40 degree slope. Location slid on 20211221 Event. Shallow snowpack with poor structure 75cms down and to ground in HS 159cms. Currenty getting windbuffed as steep chutes get crossloaded. Though stubborn, we did get propagation at ECTP30 on weak layer nearly a meter down!

Same location as 2020219LostTrailBC. Warming event occuring, as temps near/exceed feezing for the first time in weeks. However, no cracking or whomphing or obvious signs of weakness as snowpack gets stressed by warming.

Moderate winds on ridgelines, but light at pit location, where minimal wind loading has occured. New snow not bonding well; layer of concern 90cms down is strengthening, as deternined in PST.

Difficult travel in areas not compacted by skiers or riders

Area of observations is closed to public traffic December 1-March 15 for Winter wildlife protection