Observations from Rescue Creek

Traveled to Rescue Creek in the Flathead Range to observe the recent rain line, new snow amounts and persistent slab problems.

• Yesterdays rain line reached to approximately 5900' with 3-4" of dense snow above this and 1" of new snow below this elevation.
• Cracking was observed in the new snow, especially in wind loaded locations. No shooting cracks or collapses were noted.
• Light to moderate winds were transporting snow at both mid and upper elevations during the afternoon.
• Below 5500', on sunny aspects, the snow surface consisted of a 2-3" breakable sun/rain crust. 
• A snowpit on a northwest aspect at 6300' revealed a 93" snow depth. 
• The 1/9 rain crust was 24" below the surface at this location and was unreactive in stability tests.
• The Thanksgiving/12/17 rain crust, and associated facet layer, was located 70" below the surface.
• No surface hoar, or any other prominent weak layers were observed in our pit.
• No recent avalanche activity was observed.