Professional Observation - Skyland area, Flathead Range

We took a tour on the snowmobiles today in the Skyland area.  

• We found both of the most recent crusts (1/20 and 1/9).  At lower elevations, crusts were strong and supportable.  
• Near the ridgetops, crusts were decompsing.
• Approx. 20-30 cm of new snow.
• Found a layer of small grain facets above the 1/20 crust along with a thin layer of small grain facets below the 1/9 crust.
• Neither crusts were reactive in stability tests.
• Fresh wind slabs were abundant in lower, more exposed terrain.
• Recently wind-loaded slopes near ridgetops were visible as visibility improved.