Public Observation - southern Whitefish Range

Location Name: 
Public Observation - southern Whitefish Range
Region: 
Whitefish Range - Southern (south of Coal Creek)
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 03/11/2017 - 12:00
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Rapid warming
Observation made by: Public
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

We toured from Skookoleel Peak to Lakalaho/Skookoleel ridge then over to the areas known locally as Auntie Em/Dorothy's (south facing slopes above Canyon Creek east of Skook Chutes). Then back up to Ghoulie's Point.  Along the way we observed numerous Size 1-2 (D1-2) wet loose avalanches on steep south facing aspects in the Skook Chutes area (image 1). One very small wet loose sluff triggered by another party on a convex feature around 5300 feet (image 2).

Along the way we dug two pits on north and southeast aspects. We observed partial propagation within the top 40 cm with moderate to hard force, but no full propagation in any of our tests. On our southeast aspect pit, we found a 4-6 inch wind slab above 6000 feet. This partially propagated with easy force (ECTN2), but, again, no full propagation. There was also a very thin surface zipper crust from the morning sun and subsequent clouds. This also disappeared in areas with no direct sun. Heavy wet snow existed below 5000 feet.

Winds were calm to light and no wind transport (wind loading) was observed in this location throughout the day.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light (Twigs in motion)
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
South
More detailed information about the weather: 

Sunny and clear skies in the morning shifted to mostly cloudy by early afternoon.

Activity: 
Skiing