Public Observation - Exercise Ridge near Jewel Basin, Swan Range

Location Name: 
Public Observation - Exercise Ridge near Jewel Basin, Swan Range
Region: 
Swan Range - West Side (Flathead Valley access)
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 01/14/2016 - 13:22


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Public
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Snowing at 1+" an hour all day near Jewel Basin,  We stayed in tight trees on lower angle slopers. Nevertheless as terrain steepend and trees open up we had continuous whumpfing and small shooting cracks. No avalanches were observed or triggered at our location but it was quite easy to get the new snow to run on roll overs. 

We dug one pit, at about 5700' on a West-Northwest aspect. Depth of 90 cm. ECTN 6 @ 20 cm from surface. ECTN 8 @ 30+ cm from surface on the new crust. While this was ECTN, it went nearly 2/3 across the column and had Q2ish shear quality when we pulled it apart. 

 

Activity: 
Skiing