Talkative snowpack in JFS Canyon

Location Name: BNSF Avalanche Safety-Running Rabbit Mtn, Glacier Park Observation date: Wednesday, December 26, 2018 - 23:00	Is this an Avalanche Observation: No

Observation made by: Public

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Travelled up the south face of Running Rabbit Mtn. via the Shed10.7/11 ridge to about 7200 feet to assess the snowpack structure, and specifically look at the persistent weak layer(s) at upper elevations. Descended via the same route. Still had to walk below 4800 feet due to lack of snow.
Mostly cloudy skies, with intermittent S-1 snowfall and mostly calm winds. Air temperatures were chilly, hovering around 10-15 °F above 6000 feet elevation for most of the day.
The snowpack is still quite shallow for this time of year but depths increase quickly to about 2-3 feet above 6000 feet elevation.
We experienced a couple audible collapses on layer of facets and/or a facet/crust/facet layer combo that lurks near the bottom of the snowpack.
The first collapse was at about 7000 feet on a south aspect and the second was a quite loud and lengthy rumble across an entire 200+ foot wide slope at 7200 feet also on a south aspect.
We originally planned to traverse into Path 1163, but due to the unnerving collapse and with steeper/more exposed terrain waiting ahead, we backed off our route and dug in the uppermost reaches of the Shed 10.7 path instead.
Two Extended Column tests in that snowpit (7200 feet, south aspect, 30° slope) resulted in propagation with moderate force on top of a layer of facets, buried about 20 inches down in this location. See pit profile and picture.
No avalanche activity observed on the tour or anywhere in JFS Canyon.

Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images:

Travel Details

Region:

Flathead Range/Glacier National Park - John F. Stevens Canyon

Activity:

Skiing

Snowpack Details

Snowpack and Weather Details:

Terrain

Elevation of observation:

3500-5000 ft

5000-6500 ft

Above 6500 ft

Aspect(s) of observation:

Red Flags:

Collapsing / whumpfing noises

Persistent Weak Layers:

Facets or Faceted Crust

Avalanche Details

Avalanche Details:

Date and Time of Avalanche:

Wednesday, December 26, 2018 - 23:00

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