Public Observation- Gunsight Mountain, Glacier National Park

Location Name: 
Public Observation- Gunsight Mountain, Glacier National Park
Region: 
Outside of the Advisory Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 04/04/2017 - 12:00
Location Map: 

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

@ 3300' : we found trace amounts of snow on a supportable, isothermic snowpack. 

@6500' : snow depth ranged in the 10-15cm range, with wind loaded areas holding upwards of 30-60cm@8000' : as we topped out on Comeau Pass, snow depths became more consistent, 20-25cm. The snow appeared to be bonding well to the old snow surface and had been "worked over" by the light to moderate winds swirling in the cirque. @9000' : isolated areas of wind slab existed in obvious wind loaded areas; slabs were not deep, but could easily knock you off your feet. These pockets readily popped and slid, but terminated rather quickly due to their small size. Descending to 8500', the skiing became great. Snow surface temps stayed cool above 8000' for the duration of our tour. 

 

Snowpack photos: 
Any other comments about the observation or links to outside pages that have more info on the observation: 

We did not observe any recent avalanches worthy of mention. 

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light (Twigs in motion)
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

During the AM hours, abundant low-level clouds filtered the sun, keeping snow surface temps relatively static and cool. Around 1200, clouds began to dissipate and temperatures below 7500'  began to rapdily warm on aspects prone to solar radiation. During our exit (1400), roller ball activity began to increase and numerous point releases were observed. The surface, primarily consisting of fresh snowfall from the last storm cycle, became cohesive and sticky.

Activity: 
Skiing