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Facet Ed
Location Name:
Swan River State Forest
Observation date:
Thursday, January 6, 2022 - 12:30
Is this an Avalanche Observation:
No
Observation made by:
Public
Tabs
Quick Observation
Getting aquainted with the sleds and snowpack ahead of this winter's field work:
2 inches of new snow when we set out, increasing to 4 inches during our return.
The new snow preffered to slough, though in some places it was cohesive enough to produce small cracks.
Hand shear tests failed with moderate force on moist facets at the ground, and facets above mid-December crust.
Riding conditions became more challenging above ~4200' where it was easier to auger into the facet layer and get stuck.
Large and small column tests produced stable results in our pit at 5100' S aspect.
No obvious signs of instability.
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images:
Travel Details
Region:
Swan Range - South (south of Swan Lake)
Activity:
Snowmobiling
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details:
Terrain
Elevation of observation:
3500-5000 ft
5000-6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation:
S
SW
W
NW
Persistent Weak Layers:
Facets or Faceted Crust
New Snow in the past 24 hours:
3.00in.
Total Snow Depth:
22
More comments about the snowpack and weather:
Many hand pits on multiple aspects between 4000-5000': 5 cm new snow sloughed when isolating column. Hand shear tests failed on facets at ground or above early December crust with moderate force. Facets at the ground were moist. Test Pit @ 5100' S Slope: ECTN23 down 35cm, CT25,26(PC) down 35cm
Blowing Snow:
None
Wind Speed:
Calm (No air motion)
Air temperature:
Below Freezing
Sky Cover:
Obscured by fog, etc (X)
Highest Precipitation Rate:
Light Snowfall (S1)
