Overrunning

Location Name: BNSF Avalanche Safety - Snowslip Mtn GNP Observation date: Thursday, January 6, 2022 - 22:15	Is this an Avalanche Observation: No

Observation made by: Public

Tabs

Quick Observation

Visited the manual weather stations this morning and evening and toured above the Burnout, Sheds 4D, 5, and 7 avalanche paths.
Objectives were to look for avalanche activity, observe recent snowfall totals and wind-loading, and look at the snowpack structure in the Burnout path.

No avalanche activity observed.
As of 2000, snowfall totals for the current storm on the Canyon floor stand at 3-4” with 0.31-0.39” of water.
Moderate westerly winds were forming fresh wind slabs, 4-12” thick above 6000’. Ski cuts produced some minor cracking (2-4’ long), but no slab releases.
On slopes exposed to the easterly winds during the past week, there was firm wind-packed snow underneath the few inches of powder from the past 24 hours. In some locations this wind board was supportable even in boots.
Dug a snow pit at 5200’ elevation in the Burnout path on an easterly aspect. Snow depth was 39” with a layer of faceted snow buried about a foot deep, CT15, Q2 and ECTN19 on this layer. The Dec. 18th crust was not present here.

An overrunning scenario today with temperatures in the single digits °F on the Canyon floor and in the mid-teens °F above 6000’ this afternoon. At 2200 temperatures above 6000’ have risen to the low-20s °F.
Westerly winds picked up at ridgetop locations by early afternoon, reaching moderate speeds and were actively transporting snow.
Snowfall rates picked up considerably after 1700 today and have reached S2-S5 intensities this evening.

Travel Details

Region:

Flathead Range/Glacier National Park - John F. Stevens Canyon

Activity:

Skiing