Unmarked hazards exist

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Mt. Brown burn
Observation date: 
Monday, February 4, 2019 - 17:00
Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
No
Observation made by: Forecaster

Location

Tabs

Quick Observation

Quick mid-afternoon trip to 6000 ftafter winds and snow died down in West Glacier.

  • 1-4" Low density new snow on supportable crust below ~ 5500 ft; on dry snow above that.
  • No drifts or other wind effects
  • 1 whumpfing collapse ~ 5350 ft SW slope
  • May have actually been warmer (single digits!) at mid elevations. 
Travel Details
Region: 
Glacier National Park - McDonald Lake Area
Route Description: 

to 6000 ft on Mt. Brown trail, then descend

Activity: 
Skiing
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details: 
Hide Terrain
Elevation of observation: 
3500-5000 ft
5000-6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation: 
SW
W
Red Flags: 
Collapsing / whumpfing noises
New Snow in the past 24 hours: 
3.00in.
More comments about the snowpack and weather: 
Did not dig any profiles and only a few hand pits. 2-4" of low density new snow, sitting on supportable crust 1-3+ cm thick below about 5200 feet. Sitting on dry snow above that elevation. New snow not slabby, except occasional small (< 3') cracks around skies where sitting on dry snow. Seemed to want to sluff where crust thicker and harder. 1 whumpfing collapse as partner skied towards me on SW-facing slope ~ 5350 feet. No drifts, downed trees, or other signs of strong winds. Crust supportable enough to offer dependable turns to trail at 4200 ft, despite thin snow cover and a plethora of unmarked obstacles.
Blowing Snow: 
None
Wind Speed: 
Calm (No air motion)
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Snow line: 
Outer circles of hell
Sky Cover: 
Mostly Cloudy (BRK)
Highest Precipitation Rate: 
No Precipitation (NO)
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Monday, February 4, 2019 - 19:00