West Central Montana Avalanche Center

Watch Out! With the warming event in the past 24hrs, natural avalanches were observed on various terrain above 35 degrees between 6000 and 8000 feet. Two weak layers identifiued in past few weeks have become reactive in tests - upper one easily steps down to deep persistant weak layer. Lots of whomphing and cracking.

4cm new snow past 24hrs. 16cm past 72hrs. Though upper layers at 83 and 76 cms are more reactive in compression test, they did not propogate as snow above has not formed cohesive slab yet. Persistent weak layer at 29cms did not show itself in tests as it gains strength. However this weak layer is of greatest concern at the moment, as it may be easier to trigger in shallower snowpack or certain terrein features in the area (note temp profile at this location).

15cm new snow in past 24 hrs. High winds as storm arrived yesterday, but currently light breeze and very light snowfall; sky obstructed. Pit in NE location around 7300' . Though this NE location has a 2cm melt freeze crust, southern aspects has supportable sun crust, and westerly aspects are shallow (>30cm).

Many days of stagnant high pressure air mass with inversions in valleys and relatively warmer temperatures at elevation. Notable weak layer at 26cm is stubborn, but planar w energy when it fails; found this widespread on northerly slopes 7-8200 feet. Also, two buried surface hoar layers near surface to keep an eye on as more snow arrives.

Thin veil clouds