Forecaster Observation - Elk Mountain, GNP

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Elk Mountain, GNP
Region: 
Flathead Range - Marias Pass/Skyland
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 04/11/2017 - 07:00
Location Map: 

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

At mid and upper elevations on easterly aspects, there was 3"-4" of recent wind affected snow over a stout melt-freeze crust, with isolated fresh drifts up to a foot deep behind trees or below corniced ridgelines. It was easy to produce cracking in these wind-drifted areas on mid-storm layers with ski cuts or stomps.  (See photos).  There were no signs of instability in the new snow in wind protected or wind scoured areas.  

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Wind Speed: 
Moderate (Small trees sway)
Precipitation: 
None
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
More detailed information about the weather: 

Broken cloud cover above 7,000 feet began clearing mid-morning.  

Activity: 
Skiing