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Short tour to Spider
Location Name:
Forecaster Observation- Spider Bowl, Swan Range
Observation date:
Friday, March 15, 2019 - 15:15
Is this an Avalanche Observation:
No
Observation made by:
Forecaster
Location
Tabs
Quick Observation
Good stable powder today in the Swan
8" to 10" of settled storm snow was well bonded and unreactive on steep northerly test slopes. On southerly aspects, we were able to produce cracking up to 2' underfoot on the previous suncrust.
Despite mild temps, overcast skies kept the snow surface dry on all aspects
We noted a couple of small wind slabs that were skier triggered earlier in the week. These soft slabs were just below ridgeline, a foot or less deep and 10 -20' wide. There were signs of previous wind drifting from SW winds above 6,200'
We felt comfortable skiing steep terrain one at a time and saw only minor sluffing in the top few inches of the snow.
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images:
Travel Details
Region:
Swan Range - West Side (Flathead Valley access)
Route Description:
Spider Bowl to 6800'
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details:
Terrain
Elevation of observation:
3500-5000 ft
5000-6500 ft
Above 6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation:
S
SW
W
NW
New Snow in the past 24 hours:
0.00in.
More comments about the snowpack and weather:
Overcast from the start of our tour until 5 p.m., then broken skies after that. South/SW aspects ATL holding less storm snow due to wind scouring
Blowing Snow:
Previous
Wind Speed:
Calm (No air motion)
Snow line:
4000
Sky Cover:
Mostly Cloudy (BRK)
Highest Precipitation Rate:
No Precipitation (NO)
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details:
