Public Observation -Wet Loose Avalanche, Glacier View Mountain, Whitefish Range

Location Name: 
Public Observation -Wet Loose Avalanche, Glacier View Mountain, Whitefish Range
Region: 
Whitefish Range - Southern (south of Coal Creek)
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Thu, 03/31/2016 - 14:00
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Rapid warming
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Wet
Slope: 
38degrees
Trigger type: 
Skier
Aspect: 
North
Weak Layer: 
Other - explain below
Avalanche Width: 
20ft.
Terrain: 
Below Treeline
Elevation: 
5 400ft.
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Avalanche Length: 
400ft.
Number of people caught: 
0
Number of partial burials: 
0
Number of full burials: 
0
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

A skier reported triggering a wet, loose avalanche on Glacier View Mountain in the Whitefish Range on Thursday, March 31, 2016. Glacier View is located just northwest of Huckleberry Mountain near the North Fork of the Flathead River. The skier performed a ski cut on a steep north-facing rollover and the top 6 inches of surface snow released at a point beneath his skis. The skier was not caught. The slide entrained enough snow to break a few dead trees (from old fire) along the way. The skier reported the avalanche traveled 400 vertical feet. 

Forecaster Note: With temperatures expected to warm with abundant sunshine this weekend, wet avalanches will become more common. Even though clouds persisted most of the day today, the snow surface is weakening and becoming unstable due to warm temperatures. This avalanche occurred on a north facing aspect at middle elevations. Given the intense spring sun, even more shaded aspects will begin to feel the effects of the sun and warmth.

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate (Small trees sway)
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
East
More detailed information about the weather: 

FAC forecasters were nearby in China Basin/Werner Peak area in the Whitefish Range. Clouds existed most of the day, but temperatures were above freezing. Wind along the ridge was light to moderate out of the east.

Activity: 
Skiing