Stable conditions on Snowshed

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Snowshed Mountain, Flathead Range
Observation date: 
Friday, March 16, 2018 - 16:30
Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
No
Observation made by: Forecaster

Location

Tabs

Quick Observation

Due to a lack of weather stations in the Flathead Range, I traveled outside of Essex to determine snow totals from the recent storm.

  • No new snow was observed below 5700' with just 2" of new snow at 7400'.
  • The storm slab problem was isolated to leeward locations and was only up to 3" deep. Cracking was observed but these pockets were stubborn to triggering.
  • The day was mostly sunny which softened the snow surface at all elevations. Lower elevation snow became mushy with rollerballs triggered during my descent.
  • No storm slab or loose wet slides observed.
  • Cornices were sizable from both east and west winds above 6500'.
  • Surface hoar was preserved under the 2" of new snow in isolated locations above 5000'.

 

Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Travel Details
Region: 
Flathead Range - Bob Marshall Wilderness
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details: 
Hide Terrain
Elevation of observation: 
3500-5000 ft
5000-6500 ft
Above 6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation: 
N
NE
E
SE
NW
Persistent Weak Layers: 
Buried
New Snow in the past 24 hours: 
2.00in.
More comments about the snowpack and weather: 
There was no new snow below 5700' and only 2" of new at 7400'. This snow was dense and seemed to bond well to the underlying surface. Minimal cracking was observed in wind loaded pockets. The surface became sloppy below 5000' during the afternoon descent and we were able to produce rollerballs on some of our turns.
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Friday, March 16, 2018 - 21:30