Public Observation - Paola/Dickey Creek, Flathead Range

Location Name: 
Public Observation - Paola/Dickey Creek, Flathead Range
Region: 
Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 01/23/2017 - 13:30
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Public
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Toured into North Fork Dickey Creek and portions of Paola Ridge (south facing).  Obvious crust at all elevations.  Of note, we observed multiple natural avalanches along the middle for corridor which was a little alarming (At quick glance these were probably all D1 and D2 at most).  

Above 6000ft there was enough powder on the crust for some fun skiing.  Performed stability tests on a direct east aspect, slope 31 degrees.  Snowpack depth was 185cm.  Weak layers located at 40cm, 55cm, and 90cm from the surface.  Column test results were CT21, and CT23 at 40cm.  And with little effort we were able to slide the slabs at each layer depth on completely sheer surfaces.  ECTN28 at 40cm from the surface.  Again, we were able to slide the entire slab off this surface with a very sheer break.  We decided against skiing any north facing aspects (were unable to dig any pits on these aspects) and did not ski any open faces.  Stuck to tree skiing on east aspects which was actually a lot of fun with roughly 6" of powder on the crust.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm (No air motion)
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southeast
Accumulation rate: 
None
Activity: 
Skiing