Forecaster Observation - Noisy Basin, Swan Range

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Noisy Basin, Swan Range
Region: 
Swan Range - West Side (Flathead Valley access)
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 01/27/2016 - 12:00
Location Map: 

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

The snowpack in this area showed mixed results in stability tests. All of the January crusts were present. We were able to get a layer of graupel about 30 cm (12 inches) from the surface to fracture in all stability tests in all snow pits with moderate force, but without propagation. The top 10-20 cm of surface snow was rather heavy, particularly at elevations below 5500 feet. 

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

January 27, 2016 - Variability...What does it all mean?

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate (Small trees sway)
Precipitation: 
Mixed rain and snow
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Warm temperatures at all elevations. Temperature measured at 6400 feet was -0.5º C. Wind speed was moderate out of the south-southwest. No wind transport of snow was noted.  

Activity: 
Skiing
Precip Rate: 
S -1; very light snowfall, trace to 0.5cm/hour