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A case of the whumpfs
Location Name:
Forecaster Observation - Swan Lake
Observation date:
Monday, November 28, 2022 - 14:00
Is this an Avalanche Observation:
No
Observation made by:
Forecaster
Tabs
Quick Observation
Checking out the weekend snows:
Observed no recent avalanches.
Initiated shooting cracks and collapsing on aspects SE through W from 5600'-6600' (high point).
Large and small column tests failed with medium force on early-novemeber facets and surface hoar
Slabs above this weak layer were up to 12" thick.
Found sensitive wind slabs 2-8" thick on SE aspect (from recent SW winds)
Current winds were from the NE. Blowing snow was enough to fill in skin tracks but had not yet formed reactive slabs.
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images:
Travel Details
Region:
Swan Range - West Side (Flathead Valley access)
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:
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Red Flags:
Shooting cracks
Collapsing / whumpfing noises
Blowing snow
Persistent Weak Layers:
Surface Hoar
Facets or Faceted Crust
Buried
New Snow in the past 24 hours:
4.00in.
Total Snow Depth:
28
More comments about the snowpack and weather:
Pit @ 6400' SW aspect: CTM 12 (SP), 14 (SP) Down 30 cm on facets 1mm surface hoar 2mm. ECTP 11 Down 30 on the same layer.
Blowing Snow:
Light
Wind Speed:
Moderate (Small trees sway)
Wind Direction:
Northeast
Air temperature:
Below Freezing
Sky Cover:
Mostly Clear (FEW)
