Public Observation - Great Northern Mt., Flathead Range

Location Name: 
Public Observation - Great Northern Mt., Flathead Range
Region: 
Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Fri, 04/08/2016 - 12:00
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Rapid warming
Obvious avalanche path
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Wet
Loose/Point-Release
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Toured Great Northern Mountain yesterday. Temps were around freezing in the valley bottoms during the early AM hours. Thermal belts were experienced in the mid to upper elevations and above 8000ft temps hovered around freezing before afternoon; naturally, it got very warm thereafter.

Numerous avalanche debris (both recent and old) was observed on all aspects. The west aspect we skiied had previously gone through a fairly active cycle and older slab avalanches were observed, all of them releasing to the slab rock persistent in the area. Saturated snow was encountered on lower elevations.

On the ridge, huge cornices continue to hang on, many of them showing signs of great instability (large cracks or "cornice crevasses"). These "crevasses" are filled in with recent snow on the surface, and if the cornice is not given a wide berth, one can easily plunge through the false snow bridge and into them.

Overall, the skiing was less-than-desirable and both members of the party aptly chose to engage in other "summertime" activities the following day.  

 

Avalanche Photos: 
Activity: 
Skiing