Forecaster Observation - Canyon Creek, southern Whitefish Range

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Canyon Creek, southern Whitefish Range
Region: 
Whitefish Range - Southern (south of Coal Creek)
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Wed, 12/21/2016 - 15:00
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Dry
Slab
Slope: 
36degrees
Trigger type: 
Natural
Crown Height: 
1 ft
Aspect: 
Northeast
Weak Layer: 
Within storm snow
Avalanche Width: 
100ft.
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
Elevation: 
6 400ft.
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow
Number of people caught: 
0
Number of partial burials: 
0
Number of full burials: 
0
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Difficult to estimate length and destructive scale due to additional snow and wind drifting partially covering debris. 3-5 avalanches that were similar in size were observed along this ridgeline and across the canyon in Skook Chutes.  Crown heights ranged from 12-16 inches.

Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
50% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light (Twigs in motion)
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
West
Accumulation rate: 
None
Activity: 
Skiing