Professional Observation - East Cabinet Mountains, Kootenai National Forest

Location Name: 
Professional Observation - East Cabinet Mountains, Kootenai National Forest
Region: 
Outside of the Advisory Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 12/17/2016 - 12:00
Location Map: 

Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Public
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

While touring in the East Cabinet Range below McKay Mt. Today, we observed high winds in excess of 30MPH.  Wind slabs were forming and increasing in size and reactivity as we gained elevation.  Gully features were undergoing significant loading as well.  Bullseye data such as collapsing, cracking and very small natural releases were all observed as low as 4,500' in elevation.  Due to the deteriorating conditions we turned around just above 5,000 feet.

A friend who was touring in the West Cabinets near Burnt Mt. today reported that winds were much lower in that area (approx. 5-10 mph) with ECT test results of ECTN19.  No significant slabbing or reactive conditions were observed in this area.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong (Whole trees in motion)
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
East
Activity: 
Skiing
Precip Rate: 
S -1; very light snowfall, trace to 0.5cm/hour