Public Observation - Rescue Creek, Flathead Range

Location Name: 
Public Observation - Rescue Creek, Flathead Range
Region: 
Flathead Range - Bob Marshall Wilderness
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 01/15/2017 - 13:00
Location Map: 

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

We headed up to Rescue Creek and Mt. Penrose mindful of recent wind activity. To verify our exit plan, we dug on a N aspect at about 6700ft where the snow had not been greatly disturbed by recent winds (total depth 220cm). Pit results yeilded no remarkable trouble (ECTN 15 Q3 20cm down, ECTN 27 Q3 40cm down, CT 20 Q3 40cm down) and we didn't observe any signs of weakness on those aspects.Natural debris from sometime in the last week was evident on many SE aspects as we headed up the creek; it has since been drifted in. The chutes on the upper ridge of Penrose and the ridge extending east from the summit are clearly thin and rocky, either as a result of winds or having lost their snow in the naturals. Thinner, high elevation snowpack near the summit of Penrose heavily faceted. Surface hoar is present at many elevations, but the wind has done its work where the snow surface isn't sheltered.  

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light (Twigs in motion)
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
More detailed information about the weather: 

Winds steadily increased as we moved into the alpine. Valley fog dissipated as the day went on. 

Activity: 
Skiing