Not so Tranquil traverse

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Mount Furlong/ Devils Hump, Flathead Range
Observation date: 
Saturday, March 24, 2018 - 13:00

Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
No
Observation made by: Forecaster

Tabs

Quick Observation

Toured into the Flathead Range to evaluate rain line from 3/22 and look for evidence of newly formed wind-slabs.

  • Evidence of rain observed up to 7400' on all aspects
  • Below 5500', rain crust was approx. 2" thick and supportable
  • Above 5500', rain crust ranged from 1/2-1" and breakable
    • Made for very challenging/ combat skiing but provided for easy uphill travel
    • New snow above rain crust varied from a trace to 1"
  • Moderate sustained winds with strong to extreme gusts observed throughout our tour
  • Moderate snowfall occurred around 1 pm 
  • Wind-slabs were stubborn and confined to terrain directly below ridgelines
  • Despite poor skiing conditions and constant blowing snow along ridgelines, periods of sun and blue skies made for a fun traverse between high points

 

Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Videos: 

March 24, 2018 - Blowing Snow in Flathead Range

Travel Details
Region: 
Flathead Range/Glacier National Park - John F. Stevens Canyon
Route Description: 

Tranquil Basin, Mount Furlong, and Devils Hump

Activity: 
Skiing
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details: 
Hide Terrain
Aspect(s) of observation: 
N
E
S
W
NW
Red Flags: 
Blowing snow
Persistent Weak Layers: 
Not observed
New Snow in the past 24 hours: 
1.00in.
More comments about the snowpack and weather: 
New snowfall today was 1" at upper-elevations, a trace at mid-elevations and no new snow at low elevations. Deeper snow depths found on upper elevation slopes was primarily wind-deposited (2-3"). Rain line from 3/22 was observed up to 7400'.
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Saturday, March 24, 2018 - 21:30