Professional Observation - Going-to-the-Sun Road Avalanche Program, GNP

Location Name: 
Professional Observation - Going-to-the-Sun Road Avalanche Program, GNP
Region: 
Outside of the Advisory Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Tue, 04/19/2016 - 18:00
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Rapid warming
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Wet
Slab
Slope: 
40degrees
Trigger type: 
Natural
Crown Height: 
4 ft
Aspect: 
East
Weak Layer: 
Other - explain below
Avalanche Width: 
300ft.
Terrain: 
Above Treeline
Elevation: 
7 800ft.
Bed Surface: 
Ground
Avalanche Length: 
1 000ft.
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Numerous wet avalanches observed over the past few days including dozens of wet loose up to size D2, glide avalanches, and one wet slab. 

Wet loose avalanches occurred on most aspects from last weekend's new snow, but widespread on sunny aspects. 

Glide avalanches occurred on east, southeast, and south aspects the past few days with some depositing debris piles up to 6 feet deep on the GTSR.

One wet slab occurred on a southwest aspect during the evening of 4/19/2016 depositing debris on the GTSR.

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate (Small trees sway)
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
East
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Very warm days with no refreeze overnight. Most mountain locations along the Continental Divide in GNP reported overnight temperatures in the low 50s F!!! Air temperatures have not dropped below freezing since 4/16/2016.

Activity: 
Skiing