Relief from the wind

Location Name: 
BNSF Avalanche Program-Snowslip Mtn. GNP
Observation date: 
Thursday, February 28, 2019 - 17:45

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

Tabs

Quick Observation
  • Toured up the Shed 7/8 ridge to the southwesterly aspect near the starting zone of Shed 8.
  • Objective was to observe the snow structure after the recent cold temperatures and winds. Specifically wanted to observe the wind-loading on more westerly-southerly aspects that have recently been loaded by northerly/northeasterly winds.
  • Conducted full-snow profile on a southwesterly aspect at 6100 feet elevation near the starting zone of Shed 8. Profile was conducted on a 37 degree slope.
  • Overcast skies with intermittent S1 snowfall and mostly calm conditions.
  • Air temperatures were in the teens and twenties 0F throughout the day at all elevations.  
  • No collapses or cracking observed.
  • Substantial recent windloading on southerly and southwesterly aspects above 5400 feet elevation.
  • Snow profile conducted on a 37 degree slope at 6100 feet elevation in Shed 8 and on a southwesterly aspect.
  • Total snowpack depth at profile location was 52 inches.
  • All layers in this snow profile location consisted of facets or rounding facets.
  • Main concern at this location was a 1+ inch thick layer of .04-.08” (1-2 mm) facets above The “Groundhog Day” Crust. .
  • The Ground Hog Day crust at this location was buried approximately 30 inches (75 cm) from the snowpack surface and was approximately 3/8 inch (1 cm) in thickness.
  •  

  • Stability tests resulted in:
  • ECTN117x1@ 24” from the snowpack surface on facets just above the Groundhog Day crust
  • ECTN 23x1@ 4' from the snowpack surface (In well-developed basal facets).
  • No recent avalanche activity observed.
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Travel Details
Region: 
Flathead Range/Glacier National Park - John F. Stevens Canyon
Route Description: 
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Thursday, February 28, 2019 - 17:45
More information or comments about the avalanche: