Anticipating Rising Avalanche Conditions

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Cascadilla Creek, Flathead Range
Observation date: 
Wednesday, January 16, 2019 - 14:15
Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
No
Observation made by: Forecaster

Tabs

Quick Observation

Traveled to the Flathead Range to observe surface snow conditions prior to upcoming storms.

  • A breakable rain crust was found at low and mid-elevations. This crust capped up to 4" of dry snow at mid-elevations. Due to the poor snow quality, we did not travel into the upper elevations.
  • Facets and/or surface hoar capped this crust.
  • Mid-elevation avalanche chutes contain substantial brush which may limit the distance avalanches travel.  
  • Instabilities were confined to cracking and plates of rain crust sliding on the dry snow on steep slopes.
  • We noted several small loose wet avalanches from recent sunny weather.  
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Videos: 

January 16, 2019 - Anticipating Rising Danger

Travel Details
Region: 
Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor
Route Description: 
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details: 
Hide Terrain
Elevation of observation: 
3500-5000 ft
5000-6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation: 
N
NE
E
Persistent Weak Layers: 
Surface Hoar
Facets or Faceted Crust
On the surface
Buried
New Snow in the past 24 hours: 
0.00in.
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Snow line: 
1000'
Sky Cover: 
Overcast (OVC)
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Wednesday, January 16, 2019 - 17:15
More information or comments about the avalanche: