Forecaster Observation - Skiumah Creek, Flathead Range

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Skiumah Creek, Flathead Range
Region: 
Flathead Range - Bob Marshall Wilderness
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sun, 04/02/2017 - 12:00
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Wet
Trigger type: 
Natural
Terrain: 
Above Treeline
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Toured up Skiumah Creek drainage and noted numerous wet avalanche debris piles from several distinct weather events.

  • The most recent debris occurred on Friday March 31 due to warm temperatures and intense solar radiation which created loose wet slides in the recently depostited 12+ inches of snow at upper elevations. Debris was classified as D1 on a destructive scale
  • One large gouged out avalanche track was observed from the March 15 rain event which followed the 80+ inch storm that occurred late February/early March.
  • Several piles of older wet debris to a depth of 15'+ were observed. Debris was classified as D3.5-4 on a destructive scale.
Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate (Small trees sway)
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
South
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

It was a wild spring weather day in the Flathead Range. We truly had a bit of everything: rain, rain/snow mix, silver dollar sized snowflakes, blowing snow from moderate winds with strong gusts, graupel and occasional sun breaks. Pretty cool actually.

Activity: 
Skiing