Public Observation - Snowshed Mt. vicinity, Flathead Range

Location Name: 
Public Observation - Snowshed Mt. vicinity, Flathead Range
Region: 
Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 02/04/2016 - 09:00
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Public
Snowpit Observations
Snowpack photos: 
Any other comments about the observation or links to outside pages that have more info on the observation: 

Camped on Snowshed last night. 

Skied four laps on NE and W aspects (7800'-6500'). Snow quality was great, 30-45 of uncosolidated storm snow. Ski penetration on the uptrack from 30-60cm.

Winds were orographically driven for the better part of yesterday (2/3); apparently coming from the East during the AM hours, then shifting to more a SW flow during PM. Active wind loading on ENE aspects. Something of note, was camped in a large basin, hence orographically driven winds (generally swirling). 

Winds continued to pick up throughout the night. Visibility was extremely limited this morning due to movement of storm snow (trees/ridges) and active snowfall. Winds were consisdered gale force this morning, and with limited visibility I mainly stuck to the trees on my exit into Essex Creek. Surface wind slabs (up to 5cm thick) readily sluffed and even propragated on steeper slopes (<38*) and continued as loose snow sluffs into gullies/creeks/terrain traps. Although not too much of a concern, given the right slope and terrain and runout potential, this snow could easily knock you off your feet.   

Temps stayed well below freezing. 

 

 

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Extreme (Gale force)
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
West
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
Activity: 
Skiing
Precip Rate: 
S1; light snowfall, 1cm/hour