Professional Observation - Avalanche mitigation work at Whitefish Mountain Resort

Location Name: 
Professional Observation - Avalanche mitigation work at Whitefish Mountain Resort
Region: 
Whitefish Range - Southern (south of Coal Creek)
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 12/06/2016 - 09:00


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

With double digit snowfall in 48 hours and forecasted blustery winds, WMR Ski Patrol conducted extensive avalanche mitigation in preparation for opening in bounds terrain when it is ready.  We largely found unconsolidated, loose snow at all aspects and elevations.  We did find some reactivity in isolated wind loaded and cross loaded slopes, failing on a 2 mm ice crust buried 1-2 feet in the snowpack, depending on aspect and elevation.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light (Twigs in motion)
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Activity: 
Skiing