Early season snowpack structure in the Flathead

Early season assessment to high elevations in the Flathead Range. Like in the Swan, we found several pronounced crusts that are adding strength to the snowpack structure. Our only concern was isolated but reactive windslabs up high.

• The October 25 rain crust was widespread on all aspects. It became continous around 6,500' and extended to at least 8,400', our high point.  It is currently buried by 8" to 14" of low density, faceting snow. On NE'erly aspects, recent winds had scoured down to the crust, leaving it at the surface.  
• We observed moderate SW winds today above 7,000' with some snow transport.  Shallow windslabs were forming near ridgeline - we were able to trigger small wind slabs and observed one collapse in a fresh wind whale.  
• Surface hoar and near surface facets are forming at the snow surface.  
• We descended steep slopes in wind sheltered terrain without any signs of instability except for minor sluffing.