Forecaster Observation - Dickey Creek/Marion Lake, Flathead Range

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Dickey Creek/Marion Lake, Flathead Range
Region: 
Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 02/18/2016 - 12:00
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

The second pulse of moisture in the morning greeted us with rain to about 5300 feet. This created a rather soggy environment the rest of the day. However, the cold front passed through about 11:40 am at this location with colder air, strong wind, and snow (finally). Strong southwest winds were loading aspects on the north half of the compass and cross loading southeast aspects. There is about 20-26 inches of snow above the Valentine's Day crust (2/14) above 6000 feet. 

Fresh wind slabs began to develop and we were easily able to trigger thin (3-5 inch) slabs from the ridge. These slabs were very reactive, but shallow at this point in the early afternoon. We also observed cracking on small little rollovers along the ridge on wind loaded aspects. I expect strong winds overnight tonight (Thursday) to continue to transport this new snow as well as a few more inches tonight. I suspect human triggered avalanches on wind loaded slopes to be more likely tomorrow and, given the sensitive nature of these slabs, the possibility of natural activity.

Pit #1: See attached snow profile

Pit #2: 6700 feet, Aspect: 25 degrees, Slope: 36 degrees, Sky: 8/8, S2 (snowing 2 cm/hour), Winds were moderate to strong all day, Air temp: 0ºC

  • HS (height of snow/total snow depth) = 260cm
  • ECTN15 @ 221cm from the ground
  • ECTP30 @ 156cm from the ground on top of 2/14 crust (65cm from the surface).
Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

February 18, 2016 - More crusts than a pie factory...

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong (Whole trees in motion)
Precipitation: 
Mixed rain and snow
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Accumulation rate: 
Greater than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

The first pulse of moisture of the day (the most short-lived) occurred from about 6:00 am to 8:00 am. The second pulse of moisture in the morning greeted us with rain to about 5300 feet. This created a rather soggy environment the rest of the day. However, the cold front passed through about 11:40 am at this location with colder air, strong wind, and snow (finally). 

Activity: 
Skiing
Precip Rate: 
S2; moderate snowfall, 2cm/hour