graupel sandwich

Location Name: 
Essex Creek - Flathead Range
Observation date: 
Sunday, February 4, 2018 - 16:15
Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
No
Observation made by: Public

Tabs

Quick Observation
  • Toured up a North aspect above Essex creek. 
  • Below 5000ft;
    -the most recent crust (<3cm) from yesterdays (2/3) arctic intrusion was supportable in the lower elevations (3800-5000ft); approximately 10-15cm of new snow rested on a thin layer of graupel at this interface.  In wind affected areas shooting cracks were observed within recent storm snow. 
  • Above 5000ft;
    -evidence of the recent melt freeze crust dissapated around 5200ft; new snow accumulation approximately 30-40cm. 
    -active windloading occuring on leeward aspects (E and N)
  • Weather
    -Skies: overcast
    -Precip: light snow turning to moderate snow (1300)
    -Winds: Occasionally from East, but moderate westerly winds were occuring at 1400
    -Temperature: Although well below freezing in Essex (mid teens) warmer temps were experienced above 6000ft (mid-twenties). 
  • Dug a pit @ 6500ft on an East aspect
    -HS: 180cm
    -Conducted three CT's
    - CT 11 @ 40cm from surface (graupel layer) - Q1 // CT 14 @ 50cm from surface (thin facets) - Q1         x2
    - CT 10 @ 40cm from surface (graupel layer) - Q1 // CT 15 @ 50cm from surface (thin facets) - Q1
  • Between these weak layers were slabs of 1F hardness. A layer of graupel was noted 10cm from surface, although unreactive in sheltered areas, near ridgelines windlabs on this layer were very reactive to ski cutting. 
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Travel Details
Region: 
Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor
Activity: 
Skiing
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Sunday, February 4, 2018 - 16:15