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Faceted snowpack in the Swan
Location Name:
Forecaster Observation- Doris Lakes, Swan Range
Observation date:
Saturday, December 1, 2018 - 18:00
Is this an Avalanche Observation:
No
Observation made by:
Forecaster
Location
Tabs
Quick Observation
We traveled on slopes up to 40 degrees and saw no signs of instability.
Most of the snowpack is faceted (~1mm), increasing in hardness from F near the surface to 4F near the ground. Recent rain crusts up to 6,000’ under the 1-2” of new snow.
Very light snowfall, calm winds, cool temps.
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images:
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Videos:
December 1, 2018: Faceted Snowpack in The Swan Range
Video of December 1, 2018: Faceted Snowpack in The Swan Range
Travel Details
Region:
Swan Range - East Side (Hungry Horse Reservoir access)
Route Description:
Doris Lakes to 6700’
Activity:
Skiing
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details:
Terrain
Elevation of observation:
5000-6500 ft
Above 6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation:
N
NW
Persistent Weak Layers:
Facets or Faceted Crust
Buried
New Snow in the past 24 hours:
2.00in.
Total Snow Depth:
24”
More comments about the snowpack and weather:
No signs of surface hoar here, and the basal crust is absent here. The facets get gradually stronger and more cohesive at higher elevations and in deeper snowpacks. There were some wind board layers intermixed at higher elevations.
Blowing Snow:
None
Wind Speed:
Calm (No air motion)
Air temperature:
Below Freezing
Snow line:
3000
Sky Cover:
Overcast (OVC)
Highest Precipitation Rate:
Very Light Snowfall (S-1)
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details:
Date and Time of Avalanche:
Saturday, December 1, 2018 - 18:00
