Small sluffing on Nyack

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Mt. Nyack, Flathead Range
Observation date: 
Sunday, March 10, 2019 - 19:15

Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
Yes
Observation made by: Forecaster

Location

Tabs

Quick Observation

Small sluffs were the only avalanche problem we could find today on Mt. Nyack.

  • At upper elevations on Mt. Nyack, we found 4" cohesionless snow (from Thursday) on stiff windboard from previous east winds. This snow sluffed easily on slopes steeper than 40 degrees.  The snow was bonded better at mid and low elevations where it fell on softer surfaces.  We skied steep, exposed terrain using sluff management techniques.  
  • No other signs of instability noted, and very minor wind effect in Cascadilla and Crystal basins. Looking north towards Rescue Creek, there was evidence of more wind effect.  
  • We noted widespread small-grained surface hoar growth on shaded, upper elevations.  Southerly aspects were developing a sun crust with near surface facets above.  
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Travel Details
Region: 
Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor
Route Description: 

Cascadilla and Crystal Creek basins,  up to 7300'

Activity: 
Skiing
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details: 
Hide Terrain
Elevation of observation: 
3500-5000 ft
5000-6500 ft
Above 6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation: 
NE
E
SE
Persistent Weak Layers: 
Surface Hoar
Facets or Faceted Crust
On the surface
Buried
New Snow in the past 24 hours: 
0.00in.
Blowing Snow: 
None
Wind Speed: 
Light (Twigs in motion)
Wind Direction: 
West
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Snow line: 
Valley
Sky Cover: 
Mostly Clear (FEW)
Highest Precipitation Rate: 
No Precipitation (NO)
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Sunday, March 10, 2019 - 14:15
Avalanche Type: 
Loose Dry/ Sluff
Failure Plane/Weak Layer: 
New/old snow interface
Hide Trigger
Trigger: 
skier
Trigger Modifier: 
Intentionally Triggered
Hide Terrain
Aspect: 
Northeast
Starting Elevation: 
above-treeline
Hide Size
Destructive Size: 
D1 Relatively harmless to people.
Relative Size: 
R1 Very Small
Crown Height: 
Less than 1 ft
Avalanche Location: