We snowmobiled into the northern Whitefish range and skied up a peaklet for a looksee after the recent storms. It appears a natural avalanche cycle occurred in this area Dec. 21-22.
It was a cold morning in the North Fork - 1* at the trailhead - but a sunny and breezy day up high. We found the 12/22 rain crust at 5500 ft but not present at 6000 ft. The low-density surface snow wasn't affected by the wind or slabby. We experienced one whumpf, in a deep, soft ridgeline drift at 7200 ft. In a snow profile at 6950 ft, the 12/9 crust was buried by 90-95 cm thick slab of recent snow. A thin layer of facets lies between the crust and the slab. It propagated with hard force in a large column test.
Pics and avalanche details in the AM.
Seen 12/24 from Red Meadow Lake and Link Mountain. Did not access crowns. 2 released at ~6800 and 7000'; third at 6350', all on the NW face of Red Benchmark. Debris reached lake, may have cracked ice. 3-10' deep but did not extend far out onto lake.
Seen from Link Mountain 12/24. Details estimated from image and caltopo.
Series of thin crowns on the lower elevations of Red benchmark, observed 12/24 and characteristics estimated. Several were right about rain/ snow line of 5900 feet.
Triggered w slope cuts by skier and snowboarder on steep, open slope below rocks. Slighty moist snow.
Seen from Link Mtn 12/24. Dimensions estimated from view, photo, and caltopo. Crown extended into trees, where it was thinner, and right below cornice.
