Avalanche activity in Flathead Range alpine

Location Name: 
Southern GNP
Observation date: 
Sunday, January 2, 2022 - 16:15
Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
Yes
Observation made by: Public

Tabs

Quick Observation

Toured into Southern GNP and ascended the W ridge of Running Rabbit (North) to enjoy the sunshine and warmer temps. Descended same route. 

  • Noted a couple natural, recent wind slab avalanches on the E headwall of the Flathead Range alpine. Both of these avalanches were visible from miles away and failed around 7000' on Easterly aspects. 
  • Triggered a few stubborn wind slabs in small test pockets along ridgeline (6000'-7000'). Many of these were found on atypical aspects due to the recent N/E arctic winds
  • Above 6000', winds were generally 15-20 from the SW with little snow transport occuring
  • Clear AM skies gave way to the approaching system this afternoon on our descent 
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Travel Details
Region: 
Flathead Range/Glacier National Park - John F. Stevens Canyon
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Saturday, January 1, 2022 - 23:00
Number of avalanches: 
1
Avalanche Type: 
Soft Slab
Failure Plane/Weak Layer: 
New/old snow interface
More information or comments about the avalanche: 

Uncertain about timing of this avalanche. Based of wind data from tunnel ridge and snowslip along with timing of observation. Nearby observation estimated crown height to be up 1.5 to 3 feet deep. 

Hide Trigger
Trigger: 
natural
Hide Terrain
Start Zone Slope Angle: 
40
Aspect: 
Southeast
Starting Elevation: 
above-treeline
Hide Size
Destructive Size: 
D2.5
Crown Height: 
3 ft
Avalanche Location: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Saturday, January 1, 2022 - 23:00
Number of avalanches: 
1
Avalanche Type: 
Soft Slab
Failure Plane/Weak Layer: 
New/old snow interface
Hide Trigger
Trigger: 
natural
Hide Terrain
Start Zone Slope Angle: 
40
Aspect: 
East
Starting Elevation: 
above-treeline
Hide Size
Destructive Size: 
D2.5
Avalanche Location: