A Tale of Two Aspects

Traveled to the Skyland area of the Flathead Range to observe general snowpack and avalanche observations.

• Sunny aspects exhibited a sun crust up to 2" thick and Pencil hard at elevtions between 4500-7300'. We did not travel above 7300'. This crust capped a layer of low density snow that was up to 8" thick.
• Shady aspects harbored up to 10" of low density snow on the surface between 4500'-7300'.
• Recent wind loading and cornice formation had occurred from southwest winds but transported snow was cohesionless and lacked slab properties.
• Relatively recent wind loading and cornice formation on west aspects from east winds was evident. Crossloading on east aspects from recent north winds was also observed.
• One large glide crack was observed southwest of Baldhead Mountain (see photo)..
• No recent avalanche activity observed. No signs of instability noted on our tour.
• Surface hoar formation was observed on all aspects at all elevations.