Great Bear Peak, Flathead Range

Location Name: Great Bear Peak/Skiumah Creek Observation date: Monday, January 14, 2019 - 09:45	Is this an Avalanche Observation: Yes

Observation made by: Public

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Quick Observation

Rain crust up to 5400 feet in Skiumah Creek.
Bathtub ring of widespread surface hoar development from about 4500 feet up to 5400 feet. Spotty distribution above that elevation in shaded and protected areas.
Snowpack test results at about 7200 feet on an east aspect yielded partial propagation below a 4F+ wind slab with moderate force as well as partial propagation on the interface of last week’s storm layer about 50 cm below surface with hard force.
Variable snow depth on south edge of slope within a short distance (155 to 225 cm). Evidence of previous cross loading.
Skied steep, but uniform alpine slope.
Evidence of previous avalanche (during last week’s storm, see photo) on N aspect of Mt. Penrose with estimated 3+ foot crown. Based on debris pile, vertical fall, and crown size, we estimated it as a size D3.

Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images:

Avalanche Details

Avalanche Details:

Date and Time of Avalanche:

Monday, January 14, 2019 - 16:45