Weak snow at low and mids

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Apgar Range
Observation date: 
Sunday, November 13, 2022 - 16:15

Is this an Avalanche Observation: 
No
Observation made by: Forecaster

Tabs

Quick Observation

I stretched my legs on a short day-off walk in the Apgars. 

  • The snowpack varied between 8 inches at 3950 feet to 14 inches at 5500'.
  • Recent cold temperatures have weakened surface snow and older snow near the ground. Most of the pack in this elevation range is Fist hard and cohesionless. There is a strong 1-inch thick crust in the upper third of the pack, which is generally supportable to skis. Please see the Snowpack tab for more information.  
  • The snow surface remains cold in terrain sheltered from the sun. 
  • The Going-to-The Sun Road is closed at Apgar this winter season, and driving the Camas Road is currently the only game in town for accessing winter recreation in west-central GNP.

 

Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images: 
Travel Details
Region: 
Glacier National Park - Apgar Range
Activity: 
Skiing
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details: 
Hide Terrain
Elevation of observation: 
3500-5000 ft
5000-6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation: 
E
SE
S
Persistent Weak Layers: 
Facets or Faceted Crust
On the surface
Buried
New Snow in the past 24 hours: 
0.00in.
Total Snow Depth: 
14 inches
More comments about the snowpack and weather: 
A thick line of low clouds blocked the sun throughout the day. My snowpit was at 5500 feet on a southeast aspect. HS = 14 inches. A 1-inch thick knife hard crust is located 4 inches below the surface. Most of the snow above and below this crust is weak and faceting.
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Snow line: 
2000
Sky Cover: 
Overcast (OVC)