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Wind Loading on Flattop
Location Name:
Flattop Mountain - Marias Pass
Observation date:
Sunday, December 22, 2019 - 11:15
Is this an Avalanche Observation:
No
Observation made by:
Public
Tabs
Quick Observation
Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images:
Travel Details
Region:
Flathead Range - Marias Pass/Skyland
Route Description:
Summit to Flattop Mountain
Activity:
Skiing
Snowboarding
Snowpack Details
Snowpack and Weather Details:
Terrain
Elevation of observation:
5000-6500 ft
Aspect(s) of observation:
NE
New Snow in the past 24 hours:
0.00in.
Total Snow Depth:
7 ft.
More comments about the snowpack and weather:
Wind loading on NE Aspect of Flattop Mountain. Snowpack was variable due to wind loading. Wind scoured in places with only a few inches. Up to 7ft of snow where we dug this pit. Didn't fail with extended column test. Persistent weak layer was at the bottom of the snowpack - faceted dry layer. Wind slabs would shear off one by one in conjunction with wind events.
Snow line:
6,000
Sky Cover:
Clear (CLR)
