Second Slide traverse

Location Name: BNSF Avalanche Safety - Running Rabbit Mtn GNP Observation date: Monday, November 28, 2022 - 16:45	Is this an Avalanche Observation: No

Observation made by: Public

Tabs

Quick Observation

Climbed the SE ridge of Running Rabbit Mtn adjacent to and east of the avalanche path known as Second Slide to a high point at 5600’ elevation. Descended the ridge to the west of the path.
Objectives included: look for any recent avalanche activity, observe snow depths and general snowpack structure in this area, and note the extent of recent wind loading.

Previous wind transport and loading was notable at elevations above 5000’, primarily on easterly aspects with new wind slabs up to a foot thick. Post-holing and stomping on several wind loaded test slopes resulted in no cracking or slab releases.
Winds clocked to the east-northeast overnight but were mostly light and minimal wind loading was observed today.
Below the most recent new snow (2-3” on Canyon floor, 4-5” around 5000’) and wind slabs there is a melt-freeze crust from the Nov. 25th warm-up/cool-down. Below this crust the snowpack consists mainly of facets, or on more open, sun-exposed slopes, alternating layers of facets with additional older crusts down to the ground.

Mostly overcast skies with rare breaks showing some blue sky. No precipitation.
Light winds from the east with the occasional moderate gust.
Daytime highs reached 10-15 °F on the Canyon floor and hovered in the single-digits °F around 5000’ elevation.

Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images:

Travel Details

Region:

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

Activity:

Hiking