Through the rain...

Our party toured to 7400' in the Flathead Range today. Overall, no new avalanche acitivity observed and strong winds were the highlight of the tour

• A mix of rain/snow in Essex this AM with temps hovering above freezing (35*)
• Rain saturated snow existed to 5800' (rollerballs, tree bombs)
• Above 6000', a cold front arrived in which graupel showers were soon replaced by intense snow showers, this was brief
• Above 6000', the well-advertised W winds were cranking (strong enough to knock you over) and new snow totaled in the 10-12" range
• Obvious signs of snow transport onto leeward aspects (E) were noted above 6500'
• Wind slabs were developing along ridgeline, capping a recent rime crust in the 6800-7200' range (the crust was evident in wind scoured terrain along ridgeline and 1/4" thick)
• No signs of instability observed, an opening in the cloud deck allowed for views of surrounding alpine terrain, which revealed no recent crowns
• We skied mellow, leeward terrain (<35*) There was certainly wind slab development just off the ridge, but unreactive and not of concern with our terrain choices
• After a few laps, we decsended to the newly formed *breakable* rain crust (5800') which made for an entertaining exit By the end of our tour, temps were in the upper 20s, and the crust was supportable, on skis, in valley bottom