Wet loose on Mt. Shields

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Mt. Shields, GNP
Region: 
Flathead Range - Marias Pass/Skyland
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sun, 04/30/2017 - 16:30
Location Map: 


Observation made by: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Wet
Loose/Point-Release
Trigger type: 
Skier
Crown Height: 
Less than 1 ft
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
6 000ft.
Number of people caught: 
0
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

The recent snow, ~3-5", was very wet at all elevations and hadn't consolidated into older wet layers yet.  It was sluffing easily underfoot, running very slowly, and picking up enough debris to bury someone in a terrain trap.  (5x WL-ASc-R1-D1/1.5-I)

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate (Small trees sway)
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Activity: 
Skiing