Public Observation: New snow in Jewel Basin

Location Name: 
Public Observation: Jewel Basin
Region: 
Swan Range - West Side (Flathead Valley access)
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 12/07/2015 - 14:51
Location Map: 


Observation made by: Public
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

It seems the warm temps are helping round basal facets and break down the buried rain crust around Jewel Basin. Layer of concern is a noticeable  graupel layer that this storm started with that was active in quick hand pits at all elevations above 5600'.

Also noticed a significant wind slab forming along north aspects off of Radio Ridge and out to Mt. Aeneas.

Warming temps laid a glorious humidity crust atop the new snow just in time for the ski out... Keeping the skiing RAD!

Snowpack photos: 
Any other comments about the observation or links to outside pages that have more info on the observation: 

No avalanche activity witnessed today, but would think that the increasing load of moist heavy snow (and possibly rain) will tip the balance and activate the buried graupel/rain crust interface resulting in natural avalanches over the next couple days of this storm.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate (Small trees sway)
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
More detailed information about the weather: 

S1 precip throughout the day with moderate SW winds constant at ridgetop  and increasing throughout the day. Definite wind loading on lee slopes ((Crown Bowl and Radio Ridge N shots).

Activity: 
Skiing