That's more like it

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Flathead Range
Observation date: 
Saturday, March 5, 2022 - 15:15

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

Tabs

Quick Observation

We utilized a mostly supportable crust to observe avalanche activity from the recent stormy weather. 

  • Most mid and upper elevation avalanche paths ran early in the storm as dry slabs. Debris generally reached the valley floor and traveled up to 4000 vertical feet. We spotted around 40 crowns spread across all elevation bands. 
  • About half of the paths ran later in the storm as destructive wet loose. Nearly half of these reached the valley floor.
  • The most impressive debris was from the Rescue/Skiumah ridgeline below Skiumah Lake. Wet Loose debris was 1000+ feet wide, and one lobe reached the historic runout. Several locations had debris piles 20+ feet deep. 
  • The paths off Mt Penrose deposited dry debris nearly to Skiumah Lake and wet debris that covered the entire width of the runout.
  • The avalanche tab will be filled out in the morning.

 

Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Travel Details
Region: 
Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor
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
Red Flags: 
Rollerballs / pinwheels
Persistent Weak Layers: 
Surface Hoar
More comments about the snowpack and weather: 
We found six inches of recent snow above 5000 feet. Sunny but cool conditions in the morning gave way to overcast after 1:00 p.m. The snow surface became moist by day's end.
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Snow line: 
3500
Sky Cover: 
Partly Cloudy (SCT)