Good visibility, carnage

Location Name: 
Skyland
Observation date: 
Thursday, January 14, 2021 - 13:30

Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
Yes
Observation made by: Public

Location

Tabs

Quick Observation

Spent a couple evenings at Challenge cabin

  • Rain at the cabin (5000') the entirety of 1/12 and into the early AM hours of 1/13
  • Strong winds picked up early on 1/13 and rain switched to snow around 9am
  • Unpleasant conditions kept us touring on Sklyand road to avoid punchy, saturated snow and falling timber
  • This AM (1/14) recent rain crust was supportable (on skis) with below freezing temps and skies partly sunny, which allowed for good views of the terrain
  • Noted large slab avalanche on Baldhead, otherwise the terrain around Skyland was mainly affected by small loose, wet (see pic)
  • On the drive home, another impressive slab avalanche was noted on Java Mtn (see pic)
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Travel Details
Region: 
Flathead Range - Marias Pass/Skyland
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Wednesday, January 13, 2021 - 07:15
Number of avalanches: 
1
Avalanche Type: 
Unknown
Failure Plane/Weak Layer: 
Unknown
More information or comments about the avalanche: 

Observed 1/14

Hide Trigger
Trigger: 
natural
Hide Terrain
Aspect: 
East
Starting Elevation: 
7500
Hide Size
Destructive Size: 
D3 - Could destroy a car, a wood house, or snap trees
Relative Size: 
R3 Medium
Avalanche Location: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Wednesday, January 13, 2021 - 07:30
Number of avalanches: 
1
Avalanche Type: 
Unknown
Failure Plane/Weak Layer: 
Unknown
More information or comments about the avalanche: 

Size a conservative estimate based on terrain.

Hide Trigger
Trigger: 
natural
Hide Terrain
Aspect: 
East
Starting Elevation: 
6500
Hide Size
Destructive Size: 
D2.5