Shoulda brought the sombrero

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Flathead Range
Observation date: 
Wednesday, March 17, 2021 - 17:30
Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
Yes
Observation made by: Forecaster

Location

Tabs

Quick Observation

I enjoyed a day off soaking up the classic NW MT sunshine.

  • At mid-elevations, steep southerly aspects had relatively recent wet loose slides up to D2 in size, while steep northerlies had fields of small rollerballs but no wet loose slides. Minimal wet activity was noted on southeast and east slopes at upper-elevations.
  • Sunny mid-elevations had numerous glide cracks, with one noted on a northeast aspect. No glide avalanches were observed.
  • Dry surface snow was found above 5300' on northerlies. Below that, a melt-freeze crust up to one inch thick capped dry snow.
  • There was a thick supportable surface crust 4 to 5 inches thick on steep sunny slopes until noon.
  • I was able to view many large cornices, but I did not notice any that failed.
  • The avalanche tab will be filled out later.

 

Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Travel Details
Region: 
Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor
Route Description: 
Activity: 
Skiing
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details: 
Hide Terrain
Elevation of observation: 
3500-5000 ft
5000-6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation: 
N
NE
E
SE
S
Persistent Weak Layers: 
Facets or Faceted Crust
Buried
New Snow in the past 24 hours: 
0.00in.
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Snow line: 
5000'
Sky Cover: 
Mostly Clear (FEW)