Northern Flathead

Tried to get out and beat the sun.

• 35* at the car at 6:00
• Surface snow was moist up till about 5,500', obviosly temps stayed above freezing for the night.
• Above 5,500 in wind protected areas there was up to 10" of new snow on the most recent crust.
• Snow surfaces were varied from wind board, a thin 1/8" melt freeze crust, soft snow, areas that were scoured down to one of several crust, mixed bag.
• The sun was affecting south aspects up to 7,500, as early as 8:30, solar warming, moist snow surface.
• Ridge top winds were strong, but because of the thin melt freeze crust, and wind board, snow transport was minimal.  Great Northern, Nyack and other surrounding peaks had obvious snow plumes from the summits.  Winds were generaly from a westerly direction.
• Did a quick compression test on an east aspect, 7,400', on a steep wind loaded roll over.  See picture, note that block is upside down.  Found a couple non planar breaks in the top 15", but went all the way with no failures, CTN.  The block pulled out with a lot of force, and it broke on the facets below the MLK rain crust on facets.
• Good sskiing off the top on an east aspect, but once it rolled around with a more southerly aspect, the snow surface was moist and became wet at about 5,800.
• Lots of pin wheels on south and west aspect from about 10 on.
• Saw a few small cornice failures, but they did not cause any avalanches.
• Made a new friend at the end of the day.