Professional Observation - Avalanche Control Work-Whitefish Mt Resort

Location Name: 
Professional Observation - Avalanche Control Work-Whitefish Mt Resort
Region: 
Whitefish Range - Southern (south of Coal Creek)
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Thu, 03/10/2016 - 09:00


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Dry
Slab
Slope: 
35degrees
Trigger type: 
Other - explain below
Crown Height: 
Less than 1 ft
Elevation: 
6 000ft.
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Avalanche control routes at Whitefish Mountain Resort yielded soft slab and wind slab activity on the majority of the resort;s avlanche paths.  Last nights storm (8-10cm HN24) came in upside down (more dense snow over less dense snow) and bonded poorly to the underlying melt/freeze crust.  The result was a snowpack structure that allowed fracture propagation over large distances (10-25 meters.)  Explosives and ski cut mitagation produced small avalnches (8-25 cm crown depth) but every path was VERY reactive, sometimes running remotely and sympathetically.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate (Small trees sway)
Precipitation: 
Mixed rain and snow
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southeast
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
Activity: 
Skiing