Wind slab = yes, surface hoar = no

Location Name: 
Mid Swan
Observation date: 
Saturday, January 1, 2022 - 15:00
Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
No
Observation made by: Public

Tabs

Quick Observation

Quick, cold, and easy afternoon outing in the Swan:

  • Noticed a definite change in weather on the drive. South of Lion Creek was clear with Northerly winds.  North of Lion Creek was overcast with Westerly winds.
  • @ 5600' trees trunks were plastered with snow indicating recent Westerly winds.
  • Winds were typically calm with moderate gusts from the West
  • @ 6000' on a Southerly cross loaded slope we found windslab (4F) up to 6 inches thick.
  • Observed blowing snow on nearby peaks above above 6500'
  • No obvious signs of instability
  • No surface hoar
  • Being short on time and warmth we kept it simple by sticking to sheltered slopes less than 30 degrees. 
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Travel Details
Region: 
Swan Range - South (south of Swan Lake)
Activity: 
Skiing
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details: 
Hide Terrain
Elevation of observation: 
3500-5000 ft
5000-6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation: 
E
SE
S
SW
Blowing Snow: 
Intense
Wind Speed: 
Moderate (Small trees sway)
Wind Direction: 
West
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Sky Cover: 
Mostly Cloudy (BRK)
Highest Precipitation Rate: 
Very Light Snowfall (S-1)