A cloud sandwich

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Apgar Range
Observation date: 
Monday, December 7, 2020 - 18:15
Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
No
Observation made by: Forecaster

Location

Tabs

Quick Observation

We enjoyed a quick day off ski before the high pressure exits our region.

  • Thick soupy conditions in Columbia Falls thinned as we drove east on highway 2. The valley we walked up was devoid of this mess, but frost-covered trees confirmed its recent presence.
  • High clouds infiltrated our skies for the first time since November 30. Limited solar input kept temperatures cool and the snow surface frozen on south-facing terrain open to the sky.
  • Moderate west winds allowed for light wind transport at ridgeline elevations, but no fresh slabs were observed. 
  • Surface hoar, near-surface facets, and soft snow were found in areas sheltered from the wind and sun. 
  • The sun crust on southerlies is stout but underlain with facets.
  • No recent avalanche activity was observed.

 

Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Travel Details
Region: 
Glacier National Park - Apgar Range
Activity: 
Skiing
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details: 
Hide Terrain
Elevation of observation: 
3500-5000 ft
5000-6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation: 
NE
E
SE
S
Red Flags: 
Blowing snow
Persistent Weak Layers: 
Surface Hoar
Facets or Faceted Crust
New Snow in the past 24 hours: 
0.00in.
Blowing Snow: 
Light
Wind Speed: 
Moderate (Small trees sway)
Wind Direction: 
West
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Snow line: 
3000'
Sky Cover: 
Mostly Cloudy (BRK)