Variable Snow Depths in Northern Flathead

Traveled to the northern extent of the Flathead Range to connect the dots with observations from Swan, Whitefish, and Flathead (south of Skiumah) Ranges from yesterday.

• Found variable snow depths ranging from 2-8" with a decrease in snow density with elevation
• Generally stable conditions with a strong upper snowpack and no observable weak layers
  • The height of snow was noticeably less than other parts of our forecast area
• No signs of instability such as shooting cracks, collapses, or recent avalanches
  • Isolated cracking in storm slab in small, wind-loaded pockets below ridgeline on an east aspects
• Clouds, wind, and light snowfall kept air temps from climbing above freezing preventing the loose wet cycle from developing
• Skiing quality was drastically different from shady versus sunny aspects