Forecaster Observation-Blaine Mountain, Swan Range

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation-Blaine Mountain, Swan Range
Region: 
Swan Range - East Side (Hungry Horse Reservoir access)
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 03/07/2017 - 13:10
Location Map: 

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

Snowmobiled up Doris Creek and then skinned up to the ridgeline north of Blaine Mountain.  Some minor cracking in the new snow and did see one very small release in the new snow triggered by snowmobiles that had been up the slope earlier in the day- see photo.  Previous wind-loading on leeward slopes was evident near the ridges with large cornices and pillows.  No other signs of instability.

Dug a pit at just over 7000' on a leeward ESE slope.  See profile.  No propagation in Extended Column Tests, but we did find consistent shears with easy force near the surface.  

Snow depth was over 300 cm on the leeward slope with almost 150 cm above a strong melt freeze crust.  Snow depth just on the other side of the ridge on a windward (west aspect) slope was ~95 cm with only about 30 cm above the crust.  

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light (Twigs in motion)
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Light winds at the ridgeline were enough to transport some snow while we were there, but previous transport was evident.

Activity: 
Skiing
High Temp. (C): 
-8
Low Temp. (C): 
-10