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Low-elevation ob in the Flathead Range
Location Name:
Forecaster Observation - Flathead Range
Observation date:
Saturday, November 28, 2020 - 19:15
Is this an Avalanche Observation:
No
Observation made by:
Forecaster
Tabs
Quick Observation
I enjoyed a short, low-elevation walk in the Flathead Range.
No recent avalanche activity observed in this steep basin.
A strong 4" thick crust underlies 5-6" of dry surface snow at 4500'.
The thick crust allows one to remain above the ground, but may prove problematic as a sliding surface or facet-crust interface.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a 22" snow depth at 4500'.
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images:
Travel Details
Region:
Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor
Route Description:
Up the Skiumah Lake trail to the lake.
Activity:
Hiking
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details:
Terrain
Elevation of observation:
3500-5000 ft
Red Flags:
Rollerballs / pinwheels
Persistent Weak Layers:
Not observed
New Snow in the past 24 hours:
0.00in.
Total Snow Depth:
22"
More comments about the snowpack and weather:
2-5" of surface snow was warm and moist in forested areas to at least 4400'. In locations open to the sky, 5-6" of dry surface snow was found at 4500'. A strong 4" thick crust underlay the new snow with 12-14" of moist snow between the crust and the ground.
Wind Speed:
Light (Twigs in motion)
Wind Direction:
Southwest
Air temperature:
Above Freezing
Snow line:
4000'
Sky Cover:
Mostly Cloudy (BRK)
