Public Observation - Tunnel Creek/Liebig Mountain, Flathead Range
Location Name: Public Observation - Tunnel Creek/Liebig Mountain, Flathead Range Region: Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor Date and time of observation: Tue, 01/24/2017 - 01:00 |
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Location Map: |
Red Flags: Obvious avalanche path Terrain Trap |
A party of 4 toured into Tunnel creek today with the intention to summit Mt. Liebig. There was already a skinner/ snowshoe track put in until we went left at the fork of Tunnel creek. Up to 6000 the snow pack had a crust with 2" of fresh on the surface and the skinning was difficult. Ski crampons were helpful and made travel easier. Above 6000 we found the conditions improved to soft powder on a supportable surface. We dug a snowpit on a N facing slope at 7000 feet elevation on a 26 degree slope below the saddle of Liebig and Grant. Our results were ECTN28 at 55 cms down with a partial propogation. We continued to the saddle of Liebig and Grant. The conditions were a firm but consistent surface, no signs of wind slabs. On the summit ridge the snow got deeper and softer. We continued to summit Liebig via the West face and skied down our up track. There were no signs of recent loading or avalanche activity. Overall our party felt that the snowpack has been healing well and is more consolidated, rather than stacked with touchy layers.