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Skiumah pane
Location Name:
Forecaster Observation - Skiumah, Flathead Range
Observation date:
Friday, January 11, 2019 - 18:00
Is this an Avalanche Observation:
No
Observation made by:
Public
Tabs
Quick Observation
Traveled to Skiumah for a short tour on a day off.
There was a breakable glass pane-like rain crust from the trailhead (3500') to approximately 4700'. This crust transitioned into a breakable ~2" thick crust to 5400'.
Above 5400', a 2-6" thick breakable storm slab capped up to a foot of dry snow.
A recent rain event initiated a widespread wet loose avalanche cycle to 5700'. Debris was small and mostly consisted of rollerballs/pinwheels with a few D1-D1.5 piles.
Recent small storm slab avalanche activity was confirmed by several D1-D2 debris piles along with a few small crowns.
Today's sunny weather did not soften the snow surface.
No instabilities were noted on our tour.
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images:
Travel Details
Region:
Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor
Route Description:
Activity:
Skiing
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details:
Terrain
Elevation of observation:
3500-5000 ft
5000-6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation:
N
NE
Persistent Weak Layers:
On the surface
New Snow in the past 24 hours:
1.00in.
More comments about the snowpack and weather:
Mostly sunny day, but the air temperature remained cool as did the snow surface.
Snow line:
2000
Sky Cover:
Mostly Clear (FEW)
Avalanche Details
Avalanche Details:
Date and Time of Avalanche:
Friday, January 11, 2019 - 18:00
More information or comments about the avalanche:
