Stable riding in the Swan

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - East Side Swan Range
Observation date: 
Sunday, January 26, 2020 - 16:45
Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
No
Observation made by: Forecaster

Tabs

Quick Observation

We found stable riding conditions at all elevations today in the Swan Range.

  • Good views of lots of avalanche terrain: no recent slides and no signs of instability under our machines, except for one recent cornice fall.
  • Partly cloudy skies increased to overcast with light snowfall this afternoon. Winds were calm. 
  • There was 3” of new snow on top of the 1/24 rain crust. No signs of wind transport, sluffing, or cracking with the new snow. The crust extends to high elevation ridgelines; it becomes thinner and more breakable at upper elevations.
  • We felt comfortable himarking consequential avalanche terrain one at a time while watching each other from safe locations.
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Travel Details
Region: 
Swan Range - East Side (Hungry Horse Reservoir access)
Route Description: 

To 6900'

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: 
Not observed
New Snow in the past 24 hours: 
3.00in.
Blowing Snow: 
None
Wind Speed: 
Calm (No air motion)
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Snow line: 
4500’
Sky Cover: 
Increasing clouds
Highest Precipitation Rate: 
Light Snowfall (S1)