Public Observation - Baldhead Ridge, Flathead Range

Location Name: 
Public Observation - Baldhead Ridge, Flathead Range
Region: 
Flathead Range - Marias Pass/Skyland
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 12/25/2016 - 13:00
Location Map: 

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

Easerly winds blew with this new storm changing the recent wind pattern. -11F when we left Marias Pass. Dug two pits on a NE aspect.  First pit was 6,200 just below the ridge.  Total Snow depth 140cm. Rain crust/surface hoar layer was 120cm deep.  Nothing propogated in extended column test, zilch. Next pit was dug at 7,000' just below the main ridge. The rain crust/buried surface hoar was 115cm deep and was also unreactive.  In both pits, the upper 100 cm of snow was a consolidated mas of snow witgh no layers. 2-3 finger hardness  just above the crust to fist hardness at the top. 

The main bowl and face had significant evidence of cross loading and obvious pillows from strong NE winds. We avoided this terrain. We enjoyed great skiing on onrtherly aspects. No sluff slides were observed on 40 degree pitches. Winds were calm all day. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weather Observations
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Activity: 
Skiing
High Temp. (C): 
-10