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Storm day in JFS Canyon
Location Name:
BNSF Avalanche Program-Snowslip Mtn. GNP
Observation date:
Tuesday, February 12, 2019 - 22:30
Is this an Avalanche Observation:
No
Observation made by:
Public
Location
Tabs
Quick Observation
Toured up Burnout to the southeast shoulder of Snowslip Mountain. Followed ridge to avalanche prone terrain above Shed 4D. Descended Shed 4D ridge back to Burnout.
Objective was to conduct snow profile in the mid-elevation terrain of Shed 4D and also ski cut numerous convex rolls at mid and lower Program Area elevations to observe interaction of new snow on old snow surfaces.
Toured up Burnout to the southeast shoulder of Snowslip Mountain. Followed ridge to avalanche prone terrain above Shed 4D. Descended Shed 4D ridge back to Burnout.
Objective was to conduct snow profile in the mid-elevation terrain of Shed 4D and also ski cut numerous convex rolls at mid and lower Program Area elevations to observe interaction of new snow on old snow surfaces.
Feb 12th storm totals: Essex at 2100, 14”, Java East at 1900, 15”, Devil Creek at 1440, 12”
At time (1230) of our profile observation (@5800’) Height of New Snow (HNS) was 14”.
Snow structure of new snow was slightly upside down with heavier new snow deposited on lower density snow.
This new snow character promoted easy sluffing on tour and isolated cracking within the new snow.
Snow profile was conducted on a 30 degree slope with an easterly aspect.
Profile depth was six feet (6’) with a relatively supportive structure except for the new snow- old snow interface located 14 inches from the snow surface.
Stability tests resulted in an ECTP5 at 14” from the snow profile surface and a couple ECTN results deeper in the snowpack on the Feb 2nd and Jan 17th crusts.
No substantial avalanche activity observed. However, numerous, very small storm slabs were observed on various aspects throughout the day on slopes steeper than 35°. Slab thickness varied between ~4” and ~6.”
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images:
Travel Details
Region:
Flathead Range/Glacier National Park - John F. Stevens Canyon
Activity:
Skiing
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details:
Date and Time of Avalanche:
Tuesday, February 12, 2019 - 22:30
