Storm day in JFS Canyon

Location Name: 
BNSF Avalanche Program-Snowslip Mtn. GNP
Observation date: 
Tuesday, February 12, 2019 - 22:30

Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
No
Observation made by: Public

Location

Tabs

Quick Observation
  • Toured up Burnout to the southeast shoulder of Snowslip Mountain. Followed ridge to avalanche prone terrain above Shed 4D.  Descended Shed 4D ridge back to Burnout.
  • Objective was to conduct snow profile in the mid-elevation terrain of Shed 4D and also ski cut numerous convex rolls at mid and lower Program Area elevations to observe interaction of new snow on old snow surfaces.
  • Toured up Burnout to the southeast shoulder of Snowslip Mountain. Followed ridge to avalanche prone terrain above Shed 4D.  Descended Shed 4D ridge back to Burnout.
  • Objective was to conduct snow profile in the mid-elevation terrain of Shed 4D and also ski cut numerous convex rolls at mid and lower Program Area elevations to observe interaction of new snow on old snow surfaces.
  • Feb 12th storm totals: Essex at 2100, 14”, Java East at 1900, 15”, Devil Creek at 1440, 12”
  • At time (1230) of our profile observation (@5800’) Height of New Snow (HNS) was 14”.
  • Snow structure of new snow was slightly upside down with heavier new snow deposited on lower density snow. 
  • This new snow character promoted easy sluffing on tour and isolated cracking within the new snow.
  • Snow profile was conducted on a 30 degree slope with an easterly aspect. 
  • Profile depth was six feet (6’) with a relatively supportive structure except for the new snow- old snow interface located 14 inches from the snow surface.
  • Stability tests resulted in an ECTP5 at 14” from the snow profile surface and a couple ECTN results deeper in the snowpack on the Feb 2nd and Jan 17th crusts.
  • No substantial avalanche activity observed. However, numerous, very small storm slabs were observed on various aspects throughout the day on slopes steeper than 35°. Slab thickness varied between ~4” and ~6.”
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Travel Details
Region: 
Flathead Range/Glacier National Park - John F. Stevens Canyon
Activity: 
Skiing
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Tuesday, February 12, 2019 - 22:30