Tunnel

Location Name: 
Tunnel Ridge
Observation date: 
Monday, March 2, 2020 - 13:00
Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
No
Observation made by: Public

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Quick Observation

Spent the day skiing along Tunnel Ridge. 

  • Strong west/southwest winds (20 mph gusting to ~40 mph) throughout the entire day, with snow transport depending upon aspects.  We stuck to a north/northeastern aspect and observed far less wind and less snow transport.  We observed far more snow being transported on higher peaks/ridges and western aspects.
  • Most of the region we skied had roughly 8-10" of fairly unconsolidated snow above 5800' and up to 20+" in some areas.
  • Temps held below freezing throughout the entire day above ~5,500' elevation.
  • Performed one ECT with no fractures (ECTX). 
    • Slope ~ 28deg, HS 350cm; northeast aspect, 6,700'.
    • First noticable layer (buried surface hoar) at 65 cm down; next layer at 100 cm down was a 1.5 cm thick rain crust (see photos).  Neither layers reacted during the test and only fractured when pulling the column off with a shovel under force.
  • Overall, excellent snow and great skiing while surprisingly being able to avoid the high winds
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Travel Details
Region: 
Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor
Route Description: 

Tunnel Ridge; skiing north aspects.

Activity: 
Skiing
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details: 
Hide Terrain
Elevation of observation: 
Above 6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation: 
NE
Total Snow Depth: 
350 cm
Blowing Snow: 
Intense
Wind Speed: 
Strong (Whole trees in motion)
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Sky Cover: 
Mostly Cloudy (BRK)
Highest Precipitation Rate: 
Moderate Snowfall (S2)