Forecaster Observation - Wahoo Creek, Flathead Range

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Wahoo Creek, Flathead Range
Region: 
Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 02/13/2017 - 12:30
Location Map: 


Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Toured up Wahoo Creek, then up to the ridge dividing Wahoo and Cascadilla drainages. Observed widespread avalanche activity from last week's impressive avalanche cycle. We saw crowns at all elevation and on all aspects. Avalanches ranged in size from D1 to D3. We investigated the start zone and crown of the  large avalanche that reached the valley bottom last Tuesday (2/7) and covered the BNSF Railway tracks and damaged power lines (see avalanche observation.)

We observed no avalanches that have ran within the past 2 days and saw no recent signs of instability. We only reached about 6000 feet elevation, but visibitlity was excellent and we did not witness any wind transport on the higher alpine peaks.

The rain crust was present up to our high point at around 6000 feet and it appeared the rain line reached close to 7000 feet in the Middle Fork corridor. The crust alternated between supportable and breakable. The skiing was poor but the sunshine and views were great.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm (No air motion)
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Mostly clear skies, calm winds, air temperatures at freezing at 6000 feet.

Activity: 
Skiing
High Temp. (C): 
2