Tour de weak layers

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Beta Lake, Swan Range
Observation date: 
Tuesday, November 13, 2018 - 16:15
Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
No
Observation made by: Forecaster

Tabs

Quick Observation

Toured in the Northern Swan to track weak layer formation following the last 3 days of high pressure.

  • We found widespread surface hoar formation (traveling exclusively on shaded, windsheltered aspects up to 6,000')
  • Last week's low density snow is faceting rampantly.  Facets were fist hard and up to 1.5mm in size, depending on how shallow the existing snowpack was.
  • The snowpack was too shallow for avalanche concerns; depths up to 18" on heavily vegetated slopes.  

 

Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Travel Details
Region: 
Swan Range - East Side (Hungry Horse Reservoir access)
Route Description: 

Above Beta Lake to 6,000' 

Activity: 
Skiing
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details: 
Hide Terrain
Elevation of observation: 
3500-5000 ft
5000-6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation: 
NE
Persistent Weak Layers: 
On the surface
New Snow in the past 24 hours: 
0.00in.
Total Snow Depth: 
41 cm
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details: 
Date and Time of Avalanche: 
Tuesday, November 13, 2018 - 16:45