Forecaster Observation - Tunnel Ridge, Flathead Range

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Tunnel Ridge, Flathead Range
Region: 
Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 04/04/2016 - 12:00
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Observation made by: Public
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

The main objective for our tour was to assess avalanche activity associated with the recent well above average temperatures and sunny skies.

Several continuous days of above freezing temperatures, at all elevations, had formed a saturated snow surface.

One large wind slab avalanche on a northerly aspect at 7600 feet was noted on Mt. Cameahwait. This appears to have been trigerred by a cornice fall and was estimated to be 200-300 hundred feet wide.

Substantial wet loose avalanche activity was noted on all aspects at mid and upper elevations. Point release slides, along with rollerballs/pinwheels, were observed that travelled long distances.

Numerous glide cracks were observed on all aspects of upper elevation slopes. 

Surface snow in the morning at all elevations possessed a thin crust with 6 - 18 inches of wet snow beneath.This crust broke down by late morning due to warm air temperatures and rain.

Numerous rollerballs were easy to trigger on steep slopes during our ski descent.

Skiing was poor due to the saturated layer of surface snow that varied between 6-18 inches thick along with the overall "stickiness" of the snow.

 

 

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Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light (Twigs in motion)
Precipitation: 
Rain
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
Activity: 
Skiing
Precip Rate: 
RL; light rain, up to 2.5mm of water/hour