Overrunning

Location Name: 
BNSF Avalanche Safety - Snowslip Mtn GNP
Observation date: 
Thursday, January 6, 2022 - 22:15
Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
No
Observation made by: Public

Tabs

Quick Observation
  • Visited the manual weather stations this morning and evening and toured above the Burnout, Sheds 4D, 5, and 7 avalanche paths.
  • Objectives were to look for avalanche activity, observe recent snowfall totals and wind-loading, and look at the snowpack structure in the Burnout path.
  • No avalanche activity observed.
  • As of 2000, snowfall totals for the current storm on the Canyon floor stand at 3-4” with 0.31-0.39” of water.
  • Moderate westerly winds were forming fresh wind slabs, 4-12” thick above 6000’. Ski cuts produced some minor cracking (2-4’ long), but no slab releases.
  • On slopes exposed to the easterly winds during the past week, there was firm wind-packed snow underneath the few inches of powder from the past 24 hours. In some locations this wind board was supportable even in boots.
  • Dug a snow pit at 5200’ elevation in the Burnout path on an easterly aspect. Snow depth was 39” with a layer of faceted snow buried about a foot deep, CT15, Q2 and ECTN19 on this layer. The Dec. 18th crust was not present here.
  • An overrunning scenario today with temperatures in the single digits °F on the Canyon floor and in the mid-teens °F above 6000’ this afternoon. At 2200 temperatures above 6000’ have risen to the low-20s °F.
  • Westerly winds picked up at ridgetop locations by early afternoon, reaching moderate speeds and were actively transporting snow.
  • Snowfall rates picked up considerably after 1700 today and have reached S2-S5 intensities this evening.
Travel Details
Region: 
Flathead Range/Glacier National Park - John F. Stevens Canyon
Activity: 
Skiing