Sneaker overnight storm

Location Name: BNSF Avalanche Safety - Snowslip Mtn GNP Observation date: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 - 19:00	Is this an Avalanche Observation: Yes

Observation made by: Public

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Quick Observation

Afternoon tour up the SE ridge of Snowslip Mtn. and above the Burnout, Shed 4D, and Shed 5 paths to the Shed 7 weather station at 6400 feet.
Descended Shed 5 path.
Objectives were to observe new snowfall totals, determine the extent of today’s wind-loading, and look for any recent avalanche activity.
Several D1 loose snow avalanches observed, mostly below 6000 feet and limited to steep, sun-exposed slopes.
No slab avalanches or any new cornice falls observed.
7-9 inches of new, low-density snow fell overnight on the Canyon floor and 10-12 inches accumulated above 6000 feet.
Only minor amounts of wind-loading beginning around mid-day and mostly limited to elevations above 5500 feet. New wind slabs were only 1-4 inches thick and produced only minor cracking with ski cuts.
Moist snow surface up to about 5500 feet.
Dug a test pit about 3 feet deep on an easterly aspect at 5800 feet. Total snow depth=69 inches. Overnight snowfall here was 12 inches deep. No propagating fractures with an Extended Column Test, but ECTN23 16 inches down from the surface on a layer of near-surface facets formed during last week’s dry weather. The 2/1 crust was buried 37 inches down.
Mostly cloudy skies with brief breaks of sunshine. Occasional S-1 snowfall in the morning but mostly dry in the afternoon
Calm or light southwest winds at all elevations.
Air temperatures on the Canyon floor reached the mid-30s °F this afternoon and the low to mid-20s °F above 6000 feet.

Travel Details

Region:

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

Activity:

Skiing