Forecaster Observation - Rescue Creek, Flathead Range

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Rescue Creek, Flathead Range
Region: 
Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sat, 02/18/2017 - 12:00
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Wet
Trigger type: 
Natural
Aspect: 
East
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
6 400ft.
Avalanche Length: 
2 000ft.
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Toured up Rescue Creek and observed a number of avalanches that occured during the February 4-9 storm cycle.

  • Due to flat light, clouds and rain crown lines were difficult to determine.
  • Evidence of avalanches that ran during the substantial snowfall of February 4-6 were observed on both easterly and westerly aspects. It appears that these slides initiated at upper elevations with debris terminating in the valley floor.
  • Debris from avalanches that occured during the warm wet precipitation event of February 8-9 were much more obvious to observe. These also appear to have initiated at upper elevations but primarily on easterly aspects.
  • Several avalanches crossed the USFS hiking trail, which is used as the skin trail, in the heavily wooded lower elevation section of Rescue Creek. One of these was relatively large and damaged or destroyed several 8-10" diameter trees.
Avalanche Photos: 
Activity: 
Skiing