Professional Observation - Noisy Basin, Swan Range

Location Name: 
Professional Observation - Noisy Basin, Swan Range
Region: 
Swan Range - West Side (Flathead Valley access)
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 12/23/2016 - 12:15
Location Map: 

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

The wind had formed less of a slab than anticipated, and the new snow/old snow interface was our layer of concern.  Previous to last week's snowfall, surface hoar was noted throughout Noisy Basin and I suspect there is still some that survived the winds of the previous storm and is lingering at that barrier with the new(er) snow ~30cm from the surface.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light (Twigs in motion)
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
South
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

The new storm rolled in about noon with light winds and snowfall that picked up throughout the afternoon.

Activity: 
Skiing
Precip Rate: 
S1; light snowfall, 1cm/hour