Forecaster Observation - Rescue Creek, Flathead Range

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Rescue Creek, Flathead Range
Region: 
Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 01/20/2017 - 12:00
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Obvious avalanche path
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Public
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

The focus of today's tour was to determine extent of avalanche activity associated with the rain and warming event that occured Wednesday along with the warm temperatures observed Thursday.

  • A low elevation wet loose avalanche cycle occured due to the recent warm wet weather. These avalanches were observed in Belton Canyon on both sides of the river, along old Highway 2 in the Nyack area and in Rescue Creek. Most of these slides ran to the ground and entrained all of the seasonal snowpack.
  • No recent avalanche activity was noted at mid and upper elevations.
  • At all elevations the snow surface consisted of a rain crust that varied in thickness and hardness.
  • Substantial brush is above the snow surface in Rescue Creek. We attribute this to the low density snow that we have received this season. This snow does not have enough weight to "lean over" the brush.
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 
Activity: 
Skiing