Gorillas in the Mist

Highway to peak survey of conditions on the east side of the Flathead Range. Still avalanche season at mid and upper elevations.

• At least two large natural wet loose avalanches ran in steep gullies while we were in the drainage, on north and southeasterly slopes.
• Several large wet loose slides from the past two days, along with one slab avalanche. These ran on east and northwesterly slopes, respectively.
• Below about 6000 feet, 8-18" of snow has accumulated in the past week to 10 days. This snow is wet and prone to rollerballs, sluffing and wet loose avalanches on steep slopes.
• Above about 6000 feet, up to 28" of recent snow has accumulated. This snow is moist on east- and southeast-facing slopes below about 6800 feet. Some rollerballs released with turns on these slopes, but they did not entrain snow downslope and grow into wet loose slides.
• Full winter conditions prevail above about 6800 feet. Cold temperatures, some blowing snow, rime on trees, and yes, Virginia, dry snow.

As of early afternoon, the wet snow avalanche danger seemed greatest at mid elevations, where the recent storm snow is wet due to several days of continuous temperatures above freezing. The wet snow instability could rise to higher elevations with rain showers tonight and warmer temperatures tomorrow. Recent storms have deposited plenty of snow that has yet to shed from steep faces.