graupel sandwich

Location Name: Essex Creek - Flathead Range Observation date: Sunday, February 4, 2018 - 16:15	Is this an Avalanche Observation: No

Observation made by: Public

Tabs

Quick Observation

Toured up a North aspect above Essex creek.
Below 5000ft;
-the most recent crust (<3cm) from yesterdays (2/3) arctic intrusion was supportable in the lower elevations (3800-5000ft); approximately 10-15cm of new snow rested on a thin layer of graupel at this interface. In wind affected areas shooting cracks were observed within recent storm snow.
Above 5000ft;
-evidence of the recent melt freeze crust dissapated around 5200ft; new snow accumulation approximately 30-40cm.
-active windloading occuring on leeward aspects (E and N)
Weather
-Skies: overcast
-Precip: light snow turning to moderate snow (1300)
-Winds: Occasionally from East, but moderate westerly winds were occuring at 1400
-Temperature: Although well below freezing in Essex (mid teens) warmer temps were experienced above 6000ft (mid-twenties).
Dug a pit @ 6500ft on an East aspect
-HS: 180cm
-Conducted three CT's
- CT 11 @ 40cm from surface (graupel layer) - Q1 // CT 14 @ 50cm from surface (thin facets) - Q1 x2
- CT 10 @ 40cm from surface (graupel layer) - Q1 // CT 15 @ 50cm from surface (thin facets) - Q1
Between these weak layers were slabs of 1F hardness. A layer of graupel was noted 10cm from surface, although unreactive in sheltered areas, near ridgelines windlabs on this layer were very reactive to ski cutting.

Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images:

Travel Details

Region:

Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor

Activity:

Skiing

Avalanche Details

Avalanche Details:

Date and Time of Avalanche:

Sunday, February 4, 2018 - 16:15