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Shovelin' snow in the sun!
Location Name:
BNSF Avalanche Safety - Snowslip Mtn. GNP
Observation date:
Thursday, February 10, 2022 - 22:45
Is this an Avalanche Observation:
Yes
Observation made by:
Public
Tabs
Quick Observation
Ascended the ridge above the Burnout, Shed 4D, Shed 5, and Shed 7 East avalanche paths.
Objectives were to look for any recent avalanche activity and assess snowpack structure and stability in this area.
One small (destructive size 1 of 5) wet loose avalanche ran at Umbrella Fence today (east aspect, 4400’ elevation). A very small amount of debris terminated right next to the grade.
No other avalanche activity observed.
Very warm temperatures had the snowpack surface wet/moist everywhere we toured today. Our high point was at about 6400’
Minimal avalanche activity and limited signs of instability today. Ski cuts on steep slopes produced rollerballs, but no actual loose wet avalanches. The snowpack seems to be adjusting to the warm conditions of this week.
Dug three snow pits, one each in the following paths: Burnout, Shed 4D, and Shed 7 East (see pit profiles below), and a fourth pit on a NE aspect in upper Shields Creek.
The January facet/crust weak layers of concern were buried about 10-14” deep in non-wind-loaded locations, and in some instances the faceted grains were beginning to round. We had no propagating results after multiple Extended Column tests.
No buried surface hoar found on the shady slope in Shields Ck.
Partly cloudy skies with no precipitation all day.
Light to moderate westerly winds with occasional strong gusts at upper elevations. With the wet/moist snow surface there was no wind loading in our vicinity and none observed on other nearby peaks.
Very warm temperatures for this time of year with daytime highs in the low-50s °F this afternoon on the Canyon floor and the mid to high-30s above 6000’.
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images:
Travel Details
Region:
Flathead Range/Glacier National Park - John F. Stevens Canyon
Activity:
Skiing
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details:
Date and Time of Avalanche:
Thursday, February 10, 2022 - 02:15
Number of avalanches:
1
Avalanche Type:
Wet Loose
Failure Plane/Weak Layer:
Old snow
Trigger
Trigger:
natural
Terrain
Start Zone Slope Angle:
45
Aspect:
East
Starting Elevation:
below-treeline
Size
Destructive Size:
D1 Relatively harmless to people.
Relative Size:
R2 Small
Avalanche Length (Vertical Run):
150ft.
Avalanche Location:
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