Forecaster Observation - Canyon Creek, Whitefish Range

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Canyon Creek, Whitefish Range
Region: 
Whitefish Range - Southern (south of Coal Creek)
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Fri, 02/10/2017 - 15:00
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Dry
Slab
Trigger type: 
Natural
Terrain: 
Near Treeline
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

Travelled through the backcountry outside of the WMR ski area determining extent, size and distribution of avalanche activity related to our recent storm cycle.

  • Numerous crowns of recent avalanches were observed in the south facing Skook Chutes. Fracture lines were observed at all elevations of the starting zones at both mid and upper elevations. Debris was reported to have reached the lower road.
  • Numerous crowns of recent avalanches were observed in the north facing terrain east and west of Flower Point. These occurred at both mid and upper elevations. 
  • Slides that occurred during the February 4-6 storm and the February 8-9 storm were observed on both north and south facing terrain.
  • Several north facing crowns were investigated and crown depths ranged from 8-10" from the February 8-9 storm and up to 18"' from the February 4-6 storm. It appeared that the crowns in the Skook Chutes were thicker than those on the north facing terrain. 
  • Storm slab avlanches that occurred during the February 8-9 storm failed due to a density change between the dense (1F) surface snow and the lighter (4F) snow from February 4-6.
  • Relative size of the avalanches ranged from R1 to R4. Destructive scale of the avalanches varied from D1 to an estimated D3.
  • South facing crowns were not investigated nor were debris piles in the valley floor of Canyon Creek. 
Avalanche Photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate (Small trees sway)
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Activity: 
Skiing