Forecaster Observation - Lost Johnny/Doris Creek, Swan Range

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Doris Creek, Swan Range
Region: 
Swan Range - East Side (Hungry Horse Reservoir access)
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 02/04/2016 - 12:00
Location Map: 

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

We found about 18 inches of recent snow on top of late-January crust. Terrain driven winds were stronger than expected in the drainage bottom and wind slabs were forming on terrain features at road level. Multiple hasty pits and small, slope tests revealed fresh wind slabs that formed on top of buried surface hoar that is now 6-12 inches deep (at elevations ranging fom 4500-5000 feet). Expect to find much thicker, but equally reactive wind slabs at and above tree line. 

Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

February 4, 2016 - Wind Slabs, Doris Creek, Swan Range

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate (Small trees sway)
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
Activity: 
Snowmobiling
Precip Rate: 
S1; light snowfall, 1cm/hour