Public Observation - Jewel Basin Road, Swan Range

Location Name: 
Public Observation - Jewel Basin Road, Swan Range
Region: 
Swan Range - West Side (Flathead Valley access)
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 02/09/2017 - 12:01
Location Map: 

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

Our intention was to snowmobile to the big switchback, then climb the ridge and ski the "Checkerboard" run.  We hit fog at 5,000 ft and it rained from the valley floor all the way to the turn at 5,300 ft It was rain as far as we could see up the ridge as well though fog limited visibility.  It was windy  with gusts estimated at 15-20 mph.  There was approximately 8 inches of new snow.  Snow was falling from the trees.  There was no whumping or cracking and the road shoulders and cuts were not sliding.  We aborted our plan and devoted ourselves to digging out the snowmobile which became stuck. There is now a very big hole at the turn so be aware.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate (Small trees sway)
Precipitation: 
Rain
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
West
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
Activity: 
Snowmobiling
Precip Rate: 
RM; moderate rain, 2.6-7.5mm of water/hour