Public Observation - Pinnacle Creek, Flathead Range

Location Name: 
Public Observation - Pinnacle Creek, Flathead Range
Region: 
Flathead Range - Middle Fork Corridor
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 12/27/2016 - 13:00



Observation made by: Public
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Toured Pinnacle. Dug a pit at 6400' on Lee side of ridge that ascends peak 6703. HS 46". Top 3" of storm snow was extremely reactive. ECTP1 sudden collapse. About 15 inches total storm snow with the top 3 inches having higher moisture content with warming temps and wind driven snow. Snow pack density progressively increased, top to bottom, from fist to one finger. Bottom 6 inches were faceted sugar snow; ECTP25, sudden collapse as well. The entire block below the 15" storm snow comes off the block in a cohesive slab. The top 3 inches was reactive while skiing and touring even in low angled terrain; cracking and sympathetic stuffing on steeper terrain.

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: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
East
Accumulation rate: 
Greater than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Yes, I did get an ECTP1 on that top 3 inches. Poor stability day. One and done with a very conservative exit plan after pit. Happy holidays, Joe.

Activity: 
Skiing
Precip Rate: 
S5; heavy snowfall, 5cm/hour