Public Observation - Jewel Basin, Swan Range

Location Name: 
Public Observation - Jewel Basin, Swan Range
Region: 
Swan Range - West Side (Flathead Valley access)
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Mon, 02/13/2017 - 16:00
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Rapid warming
Observation made by: Public
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Wet
Dry
Slab
Loose/Point-Release
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Three different natural slides on differing aspects from our tour into Crater Lake today. Wet loose action was prevalent on south aspects--we toured around some, and the submitted photo of the ridge near Aeneas shows the potential scale--elevation was inconsequential here. North aspects in the higher alpine (7000 to 7500ft) featured decent sized crowns fracturing mid-slope through small trees. Another slope similar to the one picutured did the same thing. A deeper slab popped right above Crater, at the 6000ft elevation. 

Forecaster's Note: These avalanches likely occurred during or immediately following the storm 2/3 to 2/10.

 

 

Avalanche Photos: 
Activity: 
Skiing