Observation on Skook

Location Name: 
Skook
Observation date: 
Tuesday, February 1, 2022 - 12:00
Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
No
Observation made by: Professional Observer

Tabs

Quick Observation

Tour down to the notch and up to Skook to assess new snow depths, wind effects and observe any weak layers in the snowpack.

  • 32 cm of storm snow on northeastern aspects. Right side up.
  • on a northeastern slope at 6650 ft, the storm snow has buried a distinct surface hoar layer. Many of the large crystals were laying down.
  • our test results on this 30-35* slope were ECT N14 and CT 13 (image), and we felt no collapses on this slope.
  • total snow depth was ~ 270 cm.
  • fairly calm, no winds
  • the wind drifts on the top of the ridge did not propagate when we stomped on them.
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Travel Details
Region: 
Whitefish Range - Southern (south of Coal Creek)
Route Description: 

WMR - Notch - Skook - Notch - WMR

Activity: 
Skiing
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details: 
Hide Terrain
Elevation of observation: 
5000-6500 ft
Above 6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation: 
N
NE
W
NW
Red Flags: 
More than a foot of new snow or heavy snowfall rates (>1"/hr)
Persistent Weak Layers: 
Surface Hoar
Facets or Faceted Crust
Buried
New Snow in the past 24 hours: 
12.00in.
Total Snow Depth: 
270cm
More comments about the snowpack and weather: 
It was snowed for most of the day, with periods of fast snow accumulation rates (S2-5). There were no winds in the afternoon and though the sun tried to peak through, skies remained overcast to obscured. The storm snow includes several layers (F to 4F) and on other aspects we found a thin crust from the weekend's warming but no surface hoar. None of our test slopes (30-40*, NW-N) cracked or collapsed, and tracks on similarly steep easterly slopes about 5700 ft did not show any triggered slides.
Blowing Snow: 
None
Wind Speed: 
Calm (No air motion)
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Sky Cover: 
Obscured by fog, etc (X)
Highest Precipitation Rate: 
Heavy Snowfall (S5)