Forecaster Observation - Noisy/Jewel Basin, Swan Range

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Noisy/Jewel Basin, Swan Range
Region: 
Swan Range - West Side (Flathead Valley access)
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 03/22/2017 - 12:00
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Rapid warming
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

We found 2-3 inches of overnight snowfall above 6000 feet that became moist mid-day. At elevations above 7000 feet an ice crust on the surface remained supportable through the afternoon.  We dug a snow pit at 6800 feet on a northwest facing slope and found that recent rain and melt-water only percolated through the upper 40 cm of the snow pack. Just 500 feet below in another snow pit at 6300 feet we found wet snow all the way down to a decomposing Feb. 10 rain crust that was 90 cm (3 feet) from the surface. Light wind with moderate gusts at upper elevations only drifted the overnight 2-3 inches of snow. We noted very large cornice development from previous storms along the ridgelines. At high elevations it appeared that cornices extended 30-40 feet beyond the solid ground.

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: 
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: 

Clouds rolled in early in the day and obscured visibility of surrounding peaks. Intermittent precipation throughout the day with snow levels starting at about 6000 feet and rising to 6500 feet. Warm in the afternoon with a high of 43F at 6400 feet.

Activity: 
Skiing
Precip Rate: 
S -1; very light snowfall, trace to 0.5cm/hour
High Temp. (C): 
6
Low Temp. (C): 
1.6