Making my dermatologist rich

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Canyon Creek, southern Whitefish Range
Observation date: 
Friday, March 22, 2019 - 12:45
Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
Yes
Observation made by: Forecaster

Location

Tabs

Quick Observation

Reports of wet debris reaching the Canyon Creek groomed snowmobile trail prompted us to investigate. 

  • At the head of Canyon Creek, we were surprised to find a debris pile covering the width of the trail 200' below "The Notch". Debris was deposited from a steep forested hillside which was both unusual and indicated that we were in for a treat of wet debris viewing.
  • Immediately below this pile, several piles from the westernmost Skook Chutes had deposited debris covering the width of the trail.
  • Continuing down the valley we encountered numerous piles which either covered, partially covered or terminated adjacent to the trail. These all originated in the Skook Chutes.
  • Debris piles on the trail ranged from 2-10' in depth and contained numerous snapped trees.
  • Numerous wet loose and wet slabs were noted in the Skook Chutes.
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Videos: 

March 22, 2019 - Wet Slides in Canyon Creek

Travel Details
Region: 
Whitefish Range - Southern (south of Coal Creek)
Activity: 
Skiing
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - 18:45
Avalanche Type: 
Wet Slab
Failure Plane/Weak Layer: 
New/old snow interface
More information or comments about the avalanche: 

I am not sure of the exact timing of these events but most appeared to have run on Wednesday and Thursday, March 20 and 21. Aspect varied between SE- SW. Several of the crowns looked to be 3 - 4' deep.

Hide Trigger
Trigger: 
natural
Hide Terrain
Start Zone Slope Angle: 
35
Aspect: 
South
Starting Elevation: 
6000' - 6600'
Hide Size
Destructive Size: 
D3 - Could destroy a car, a wood house, or snap trees
Relative Size: 
R2 Small
Crown Height: 
2 ft
Avalanche Length (Vertical Run): 
700ft.
Avalanche Width (Average width): 
100ft.
Avalanche Location: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Sunday, March 17, 2019 - 18:30
Avalanche Type: 
Wet Loose
Failure Plane/Weak Layer: 
Within storm snow
More information or comments about the avalanche: 

These slides appeared to have run Saturday - Thursday, March 17 - 21. Most debris stayed on the surface, however, there were a couple of instances where the debris gouged to the ground. Some of these slides could be D2.5 in destructive size. Aspects varied between SE-SW.

Hide Trigger
Trigger: 
natural
Hide Terrain
Start Zone Slope Angle: 
35
Aspect: 
South
Starting Elevation: 
5800' - 6600'
Hide Size
Destructive Size: 
D2 Could bury, injure, or kill a person.
Relative Size: 
R2 Small
Avalanche Length (Vertical Run): 
400ft.
Avalanche Location: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Tuesday, March 19, 2019 - 17:15
Avalanche Type: 
Wet Loose
Failure Plane/Weak Layer: 
Within storm snow
More information or comments about the avalanche: 

These slides appeared to have run Saturday - Thursday, March 17 - 21. Aspects varied between SE-SW.

Hide Trigger
Trigger: 
natural
Hide Terrain
Start Zone Slope Angle: 
35
Aspect: 
South
Starting Elevation: 
5800' - 6600'
Hide Size
Destructive Size: 
D1.5
Relative Size: 
R2 Small
Avalanche Location: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - 16:30
Avalanche Type: 
Wet Slab
Failure Plane/Weak Layer: 
New/old snow interface
More information or comments about the avalanche: 
Hide Trigger
Trigger: 
natural
Hide Terrain
Start Zone Slope Angle: 
35
Aspect: 
South
Starting Elevation: 
6000 - 6800'
Hide Size
Destructive Size: 
D2 Could bury, injure, or kill a person.
Relative Size: 
R2 Small
Crown Height: 
2 ft
Avalanche Length (Vertical Run): 
400ft.
Avalanche Width (Average width): 
50ft.
Avalanche Location: