The Apgars

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Apgar Range, GNP
Observation date: 
Saturday, December 22, 2018 - 15:30
Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
No
Observation made by: Forecaster

Location

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Quick Observation

This week's storms favored interior Glacier Park with the southern Whitefish Range coming in as runner-up. We split the difference and headed to the Apgar Range in western Glacier Park.

  • Overnight snow totals were 2" at 4000' and 5" at 6000'. An unsupportable rain crust from the 12/18 storm extends to ~ 5000'.
  • Recent westerly winds have formed impressive cornices, some of which had failed naturally. Cornices were stubborn and mostly unreactive to ski stomping.
  • An interface between the 12/11 storm and the 12/18 storm produced propagating results in our snowpit at ridgeline elevation.
  • Basal facets are strengthening but propagation was observed in our snowpits at 6400' and 5700'.
  • No cracking, collapsing or recent slab avalanche activity observed.
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Travel Details
Region: 
Glacier National Park - Apgar Range
Route Description: 

The Huckleberry Mountain trail.

Activity: 
Skiing
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details: 
Hide Terrain
Elevation of observation: 
3500-5000 ft
5000-6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation: 
NE
E
SE
S
Persistent Weak Layers: 
Facets or Faceted Crust
Buried
New Snow in the past 24 hours: 
5.00in.
Total Snow Depth: 
50
More comments about the snowpack and weather: 
A snowpit at 5700' on a south aspect resulted in propagation in the basal facets with moderate force. This faceted layer is strengthening and overall 1F hard. A snowpit at 6400' on a wind-loaded east aspect resulted in propagation at the 12/11-12/18 interface with moderate force. We also had propagation in the basal facets with moderate force. Most of the basal faceted layer is strong (1F) with failure occurring in a thin layer of F hard facets above the Thanksgiving crust.
Wind Speed: 
Light (Twigs in motion)
Wind Direction: 
West
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Snow line: 
1000'
Sky Cover: 
Mostly Cloudy (BRK)
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Saturday, December 22, 2018 - 15:30