Return of winter

Location Name: 
Northern swans
Observation date: 
Thursday, February 4, 2021 - 18:15

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

Tabs

Quick Observation

Was out in the northern swans for a couple hours to watch the storm roll in. Snowed about 1"/hr with light winds in our sheltered trees. Found planar hand shears on S aspect, about 25 cm down. Dug one pit on N aspect, interestingly did not have propagation in our pit, though the surface hoar was preserved about 30 cm down and failed easily with shovel shear. There was About 35-40 cm on top of THE CRUST. Nonetheless we kept it mellow and only had minimal sluffing. Small wind slab formation at ridgelines with minimal energy. Sorta felt like we lucked out? 

Travel Details
Region: 
Swan Range - West Side (Flathead Valley access)
Activity: 
Skiing