Public Observation - Lost Johnny/Doris, Swan Range

Location Name: 
Public Observation - Lost Johnny/Doris, Swan Range
Region: 
Swan Range - West Side (Flathead Valley access)
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 02/04/2017 - 12:00
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Public
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Felt the January ice crust down low and super light fluffy new snow on top. Anywhere from 12-24 inches of fresh throughout the day.  As we got deeper into the drainages we found up to 2 feet of fresh.   

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

Went for a ride with 6 sleds. Read the advisory and chose specific terrain paths based on snowpack and stability.  Noticed windloaded crests which is where the snow would break and slowly sluff.  Did not observe any slab avalanches as the new snow was light and fluffy resulting in small/moderate size loose avalanches that did not run a long path  crown was about 12 inches-18 inches  breaking down to the smooth ice crust. Stayed in the lower elevation trees after observing this activity poor visibility and full cloud cover.  When we arrived back to the truck there was only about an inch of snow accumulation on our vehicles. It was snowing much harder up high.   

 

 

 

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light (Twigs in motion)
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southeast
Accumulation rate: 
Greater than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Moderate snowfall, small flakes, light winds throughout, slight warming into the day from the morning temps.  

Activity: 
Snowmobiling
Precip Rate: 
S2; moderate snowfall, 2cm/hour
Low Temp. (C): 
15-20F