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Its tricky to rock a rime
Location Name:
Southern Flathead Range
Observation date:
Saturday, January 9, 2021 - 16:00
Is this an Avalanche Observation:
Yes
Observation made by:
Public
Location
Tabs
Quick Observation
Toured into the Southern Flathead Range today to enjoy the calm winds and gray skies.
Dug a snowpit at 6800' on a northeast facing slope. HS: 302cm. One notable persistent weak layer buried 50cm below the surface at this location. It is a 2cm thick stout melt freeze crust with a thin layer of facets on top to boot. (pit profile attached)
ECT produced no results on this weak layer, but the presence of this snow structure is not encouraging.
We skiied 3 runs today on E facing and NE facing (5000'-7700'). Skied slopes up to 35 degrees without any signs on instabiities.
In many locations above 5500', the snow surface is currently a surface hoar/ rime combination platter. (See photo of these grains attached)
Noted and photographed an impressive Glide Crack late in the day. Timing: unknown. Elevation: ~6900'. East facing. (See photo attached, poor lighting, but two cracks visable)
Observed some loose wet debris below steep southerlies. Possibly 2-3 days old.
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images:
Travel Details
Region:
Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor
Activity:
Skiing
Snowboarding
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details:
Terrain
Elevation of observation:
3500-5000 ft
5000-6500 ft
Above 6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation:
N
NE
E
Red Flags:
Rollerballs / pinwheels
Persistent Weak Layers:
Surface Hoar
On the surface
New Snow in the past 24 hours:
0.50in.
Total Snow Depth:
302
Blowing Snow:
None
Wind Speed:
Calm (No air motion)
Wind Direction:
Southwest
Air temperature:
Below Freezing
Sky Cover:
Overcast (OVC)
Highest Precipitation Rate:
Very Light Snowfall (S-1)
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details:
Number of avalanches:
2
Avalanche Type:
Glide
Failure Plane/Weak Layer:
Unknown
Trigger
Trigger:
natural
Terrain
Aspect:
East
Starting Elevation:
6900
Size
Destructive Size:
D1 Relatively harmless to people.
Avalanche Location:
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