Public Observation - Spider Bowl, Swan Range

Location Name: 
Public Observation - Spider Bowl, Swan Range
Region: 
Swan Range - West Side (Flathead Valley access)
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 02/26/2017 - 14:00
Location Map: 

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

Sluff management was the name of the game today. Snowpit at 6500 west aspect did not reveal any propagation, even with hard force. Total snow depth 280 cm. 85-90 cm of low density snow now on top of the crust in the swans made for some amazing skiing. Had to be aware of turns and loose snow in terrain steeper than 35 degrees. We stuck to the NW facing trees on the south side of the bowl and did not tempt more exposed terrain. Photo was taken in 35 degree treed terrain and you can see snow was easily sluffing. Snowed hard all day with winds gusting to 15/20 and skin track was almost filled in on second lap. 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate (Small trees sway)
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Greater than 1 in. per hour
Activity: 
Skiing