Loud

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Flathead Range
Observation date: 
Thursday, March 31, 2022 - 14:45
Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
Yes
Observation made by: Forecaster

Tabs

Quick Observation

We visited the Middle Fork to assess the surface conditions and catalog avalanche activity from the recent warm weather.

  • At mid-elevations, overcast skies and cool temperatures kept the snow surface frozen on all aspects through our 4:00 p.m. exit. We enjoyed a 6 - 8" supportable crust that allowed fast travel conditions.
  • The surface at low elevations was supportable in the morning but mushy at 5:00 p.m.
  • We noted 20-25 D1.5 - 2 wet loose slides from the recent warm weather on all aspects at mid-elevations. Five D 1.5 - 2 wet loose were observed at upper elevations.
  • There are  4 locations with one or more glide cracks opening. 
  • 1-2" of snow and graupel fell throughout the day.

 

Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Travel Details
Region: 
Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor
Route Description: 
Activity: 
Skiing
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details: 
Hide Terrain
Elevation of observation: 
3500-5000 ft
5000-6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation: 
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
NW
Red Flags: 
Blowing snow
Persistent Weak Layers: 
Not observed
New Snow in the past 24 hours: 
2.00in.
More comments about the snowpack and weather: 
Skies were mainly overcast or obscured, including a few brief glimpses of the sun. Moderate winds were cross-loading mid-elevation slopes with pockets holding up to 4" of today's loose snow.
Blowing Snow: 
Moderate
Wind Speed: 
Moderate (Small trees sway)
Wind Direction: 
West
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Snow line: 
3000'
Sky Cover: 
Overcast (OVC)
Highest Precipitation Rate: 
Moderate Snowfall (S2)
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 - 12:00
Number of avalanches: 
6
Avalanche Type: 
Wet Loose
Failure Plane/Weak Layer: 
Within storm snow
More information or comments about the avalanche: 
Hide Trigger
Trigger: 
natural
Hide Terrain
Start Zone Slope Angle: 
35
Aspect: 
South
Starting Elevation: 
near-treeline
Hide Size
Destructive Size: 
D2 Could bury, injure, or kill a person.
Relative Size: 
R3 Medium
Avalanche Length (Vertical Run): 
800ft.
Avalanche Width (Average width): 
50ft.
Avalanche Location: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 - 12:00
Number of avalanches: 
6
Avalanche Type: 
Wet Loose
Failure Plane/Weak Layer: 
Within storm snow
More information or comments about the avalanche: 
Hide Trigger
Trigger: 
natural
Hide Terrain
Start Zone Slope Angle: 
35
Aspect: 
South
Starting Elevation: 
near-treeline
Hide Size
Destructive Size: 
D1.5
Relative Size: 
R1 Very Small
Avalanche Length (Vertical Run): 
600ft.
Avalanche Width (Average width): 
40ft.
Avalanche Location: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 - 12:00
Number of avalanches: 
6
Avalanche Type: 
Wet Loose
Failure Plane/Weak Layer: 
Within storm snow
More information or comments about the avalanche: 
Hide Trigger
Trigger: 
natural
Hide Terrain
Start Zone Slope Angle: 
35
Aspect: 
North
Starting Elevation: 
near-treeline
Hide Size
Destructive Size: 
D2 Could bury, injure, or kill a person.
Relative Size: 
R3 Medium
Avalanche Length (Vertical Run): 
600ft.
Avalanche Width (Average width): 
50ft.
Avalanche Location: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 - 12:00
Number of avalanches: 
6
Avalanche Type: 
Wet Loose
Failure Plane/Weak Layer: 
Within storm snow
More information or comments about the avalanche: 
Hide Trigger
Trigger: 
natural
Hide Terrain
Start Zone Slope Angle: 
35
Aspect: 
North
Starting Elevation: 
near-treeline
Hide Size
Destructive Size: 
D1.5
Relative Size: 
R2 Small
Avalanche Length (Vertical Run): 
400ft.
Avalanche Width (Average width): 
40ft.
Avalanche Location: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 - 12:00
Number of avalanches: 
5
Avalanche Type: 
Wet Loose
Failure Plane/Weak Layer: 
Within storm snow
More information or comments about the avalanche: 
Hide Trigger
Trigger: 
natural
Hide Terrain
Start Zone Slope Angle: 
35
Aspect: 
East
Starting Elevation: 
above-treeline
Hide Size
Destructive Size: 
D2 Could bury, injure, or kill a person.
Relative Size: 
R3 Medium
Avalanche Length (Vertical Run): 
800ft.
Avalanche Width (Average width): 
60ft.
Avalanche Location: