Forecaster Observation - Skookoleel/Lakalaho Ridge, Whitefish Range

Location Name: 
Forecaster Observation - Skookoleel/Lakalaho Ridge, Whitefish Range
Region: 
Whitefish Range - Southern (south of Coal Creek)
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 03/06/2017 - 11:00
Location Map: 

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

Today, our objectives were to assess any wind slab formation and lingering storm instabilities from the previous 8 days of nearly continued snowfall (approximately 70 inches since Feb. 26).

We skied up to Skookoleel Peak near Canyon Creek, and then over to the ridge that separates Lakalaho and Skookoleel drainages. We observed no obvious signs of instability like recent avalanche activity (though visibility was poor to fair all day), no cracking or collapsing (whumpfing). We also did not observe wind slabs in the area we traveled. However, most of the terrain is fairly sheltered save for the very top of Skookoleel Peak.

In all of our snowpits today, we found approximately 110 cm of settled new snow above the Feb. 10 rain crust. All of our extended column tests resulted in partial breaks (partial fracture propagation) across the column and no breaks (fractures) that moved across the entire column. The partial fracture propagation required moderate force and occurred about 40-50 cm (16-20 inches) from the snow surface. 

There was approximately 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) of new snow overnight of low density (read: light and fluffy). 

Cornices along Skookoleel Ridge are very large and rather sensitive. Another skiing party triggered a cornice with very little effort. It did not trigger an avalanche on the slope below, but simply getting hit by one of these monsters has serious consequences. 

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm (No air motion)
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Greater than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Intermittent, but heavy snowfall throughout the day. When snowing, snowfall rates were 1-2 inches per hour. From late morning to mid-afternoon, approximately 3-4 more inches accumulated.

Activity: 
Skiing
Precip Rate: 
S2; moderate snowfall, 2cm/hour
High Temp. (C): 
-6
Low Temp. (C): 
-9