Professional Observation - Skyland, Flathead Range

Location Name: 
Professional Observation - Skyland, Flathead Range
Region: 
Flathead Range - Marias Pass/Skyland
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 03/29/2017 - 11:46
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

We rode in the Skyland area today.  Our goals were to look at what the winds had done with the little bit of snow we've received lately and look for any recent avalanche activity from the warm weather on Sunday. 

The snow on the ride in was loose enough to keep the machines cool, but firm enough to easily ride on.  Once at upper elevations we found abundant wind transport of what little snow had fallen in the last few days.  Windward areas had little to no fresh snow ontop of the crust and the leeward slopes had windslabs up to 12 inches deep. 

We did see a recent avalanche (see photo) on the east side of Slippery Bill Mountain.  It appeared to have been a cornice fall that triggered the windslab.  We chose to dig our pit on an adjacent ridge with the pit location on a similar aspect/elevation.  Our results were: ECTN 11 @ 23 cm down(windslab/crust interface), ECTN 21 @ 65 cm down(below the St. Patty's Day Crust).  We also noted very moist snow underneath the St. Patty's Day crust. 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate (Small trees sway)
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
More detailed information about the weather: 

Rather than the rain that the Flathead Valley was getting there was snow starting at the parking area.

Activity: 
Snowboarding