Essex Area/Snowshed Mtn

Location Name: Snowshed Mtn, Flathead Range Observation date: Sunday, January 21, 2018 - 13:15	Is this an Avalanche Observation: No

Observation made by: Public

Tabs

Quick Observation

Toured up the north ridge of Snowshed Mountain and dug a pit around 6800' on a southeast aspect today.
Descended the same route after skiing an East aspect at upper elevations.
Weather-
Skies: Mostly Cloudy
Temperature: Below freezing (25*-30*F)
Winds: Variable, 5-7mph
Dug a pit on a 32* aspect; shovel shear confirmed many weak layers, slabs within the upper portion of the snowpack. There was a crust (1cm thick/4F) from the recent rain event (1/18) with approximately 30cm of new snow atop it. This rain crust was supportable and much thicker below 5000'; hardly noticeable above 5000' while skinning or descending.
Conducted both CT's and ECT's, all with moderate results on or near this buried rain crust (30-35cm below surface). None of the ECT failures propagated and shears were inconsistent; the pit location did not harbor any recent windslabs.
I chose to ski sheltered terrain on a modest aspect. Recent windslabs were forming at ridgeline, although relatively unreactive with ski cuts.

Travel Details

Region:

Flathead Range - Bob Marshall Wilderness

Avalanche Details

Avalanche Details:

Date and Time of Avalanche:

Sunday, January 21, 2018 - 13:15