Public Observation - Big Slide, Whitefish Range

Location Name: 
Public Observation - Big Slide, Whitefish Range
Region: 
Whitefish Range - Southern (south of Coal Creek)
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 02/25/2017 - 12:30
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Public
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

We wanted to get an idea of how recent loading and deeper crusts stood on the open,  SE aspect of Big Slide before we jumped in today. Hand shears indicated that the bond between the storm layers from the last cycle seemed to less cohesive than other locations in the southern Whitefish range where we have traveled lately. Pit results showed plenty of crust action in our compression test (CT5 Q3 10cm down, CT20 Q1 40cm down,  CT22 Q1 80cm down), yet no propogation whatsoever on similar layers (ECTN at various depths, even through extra taps). Recent roller balls and a mild crust in the upper fluff indicated recent warming. 

Weather Observations
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm (No air motion)
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
Activity: 
Skiing
Precip Rate: 
S -1; very light snowfall, trace to 0.5cm/hour