Forecaster Observation - Skookoleel Ridge, Southern Whitefish Range

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Skookoleel, Southern Whitefish Range
Region: 
Whitefish Range - Southern (south of Coal Creek)
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 03/05/2016 - 12:00
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

In terrain that was exposed to the sun on the previous day we found a supportable melt-freeze crust. On previously shaded slopes the snow was unconsolidated and just showing the effects of warming and light rain by mid-day with roller balls and pin wheels. Steep, south facing slopes like Skook Chutes had a lot of recent roller ball and small, loose, wet activity. We observed very large cornices that had formed along the crest of Skookoleel Ridge.

In isolated areas we found buried surface hoar one foot deep in the snow pack. This layer produced variable results in stability tests. In locations where the snow remained unconsolidated the surface hoar fractured with moderate force but did not propagate (ECTN 10-13). In other areas where a soft slab formed from wind-transported snow this layer fractured and propagated, but with hard force (ECTP 20-22).

Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

March 5, 2016 Skookoleel Ridge

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate (Small trees sway)
Precipitation: 
Mixed rain and snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Light rain became mixed snow/rain above 6500 feet.

Activity: 
Skiing
Precip Rate: 
RL; light rain, up to 2.5mm of water/hour
High Temp. (C): 
3
Low Temp. (C): 
1.5