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New snow in the Flathead Range
Location Name:
Forecaster Observation - Essex Mountain, Flathead Range
Observation date:
Friday, January 18, 2019 - 15:00
Is this an Avalanche Observation:
No
Observation made by:
Forecaster
Location
Tabs
Quick Observation
Traveled to the Flathead Range to observe conditions following the 1/17 - 1/18 storm.
New snow amounts this morning of 3" in Essex (3800') and 7" above 6500'. Between ~ 6000' - 7000' there was a thin (0.5") near-surface freezing rain crust.
Light to moderate southerly winds lightly drifted fresh snow. The amount of snow available for transport has been reduced by the near-surface crust.
Thin (2-4") soft slabs (4F) are found in sheltered areas at mid and upper elevations. They form an upside-down snow surface capping 2-4" of low-density storm snow. Windward terrain has been scoured down to the near-surface crust. Soft slabs (1F) up to 8" thick are found on leeward slopes forming an upside-down snow surface capping up to 7" of low-density storm snow.
Frequent cracking was observed in the soft slabs at mid and upper elevations but there was not enough energy in the slab to propagate.
Loose dry sluffs were easy to initiate on steep aspects with debris traveling far on crusts.
No slab avalanche activity noted.
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images:
Travel Details
Region:
Flathead Range - Bob Marshall Wilderness
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details:
Terrain
Elevation of observation:
3500-5000 ft
5000-6500 ft
Above 6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation:
N
NE
S
SW
NW
Red Flags:
Blowing snow
Persistent Weak Layers:
Surface Hoar
Facets or Faceted Crust
Buried
New Snow in the past 24 hours:
7.00in.
Total Snow Depth:
80"
More comments about the snowpack and weather:
Intermittent light to moderate snow through the day with light to moderate southwest winds. Accumulations of 1-2" at all elevations during the daylight hours. Last weeks rain crust extends to 6500' in this area. A surprisingly thick (2.5") melt freeze crust found on sunny aspects at 6900'. Facets and surface hoar are found on top of last weeks rain crust at mid and upper elevations.
Blowing Snow:
Light
Wind Speed:
Moderate (Small trees sway)
Wind Direction:
Southwest
Air temperature:
Below Freezing
Snow line:
2500'
Sky Cover:
Overcast (OVC)
Highest Precipitation Rate:
Moderate Snowfall (S2)
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details:
Date and Time of Avalanche:
Friday, January 18, 2019 - 18:00
