Forecaster Observation - Red Meadow Pass area, northern Whitefish Range

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Red Meadow Pass area, northern Whitefish Range
Region: 
Whitefish Range - Northern (north of Coal Creek)
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 02/06/2016 - 14:00
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

We chose a shallow snowpack (145 cm) on an east-northeast aspect at 6400 feet for our pit location.  

At this location the recently developed surface wind slab was deposited on top of low density cohesionless snow (new snow). This slab produced Q1 shears in compression tests but did not propagate in our ECT tests.   

The Jan 28 rain crust was located 20 cm below the snow surface.  Q1 shears occurred in the weak snow below the crust during compression tests but no propagation was observed during our ECT.

We also dug a pit on a northerly aspect at 6400 feet that had slightly more recent wind deposited snow.  We experienced similar results at this location as at our first pit.  

Throughout the day the surface wind slab cracked under the weight of a skier but no shooting cracks or audible failures were noted.  We did not trust these wind slabs and avoided steep open slopes during our tour. 

Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

February 6, 2016 Red Meadow, Northern Whitefish Range

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate (Small trees sway)
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
West
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Moderate winds with strong gusts occurred throughout the day at all elevations.  Wind transport of snow created surface soft slab development from top loading and cross loading at all elevations.  Cool air temps and minimal solar radiation kept the snow surface dry.  Light snow showers moved in briefly during the afternoon.       

Activity: 
Skiing
Precip Rate: 
S -1; very light snowfall, trace to 0.5cm/hour
High Temp. (C): 
-4.5