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SixMile Snowmobile
Location Name:
Sixmile-Swan Range
Observation date:
Friday, January 5, 2018 - 14:30
Is this an Avalanche Observation:
No
Observation made by:
Public
Location
Tabs
Quick Observation
Traveled by snowmobile to the Swan Crest via Sixmile TH. Dug a pit just below the Sixmile tera trail.
Snow has consolidated considerably since last weekend for easier travel off trail.
Dug a pit on SE Aspect, ~140 degrees, at 6,035 ft.
Total Snow Depth-120cm, Turkey crust/December 17th pancaked at ground up to ~25cm. Snowball saturated facets mixed with the crust.
Extended Column Test produced No Propagation. Barely a fracture around last storm snow.
Temp was 0 degree Celsius and snow was releasing from trees, top to bottom. No significant roller balls observed.
Lots of trees across the trail, and one fell over ~12" diameter while cutting another out.
Travel Details
Region:
Swan Range - West Side (Flathead Valley access)
Activity:
Snowmobiling
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details:
Terrain
Elevation of observation:
Above 6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation:
SE
S
SW
Persistent Weak Layers:
Buried
Not observed
Total Snow Depth:
120cm
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details:
Date and Time of Avalanche:
Friday, January 5, 2018 - 19:00
More information or comments about the avalanche:
No recent sign of avalanches that we could see. The cloud ceiling was above us and could see over at Hall Pk and to Swan Lake Wetlands.
Not a good view of northern terrain.
