Boletín de aludes

Whitefish Range

Flathead Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

Fri
Alta montaña
2 · Moderado
Límite del bosque
1 · Débil
Bajo el límite
1 · Débil
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Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 4 years ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

Stay alert for drifted snow that will continue to form with southwest winds. These are most common below corniced ridgelines and in gullies where the snow surface shows evidence of wind effect. Wind-protected terrain offers safe and fun riding.

Problemas de aludes

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Possible
    Tamaño
    1–2

    Southwest winds returned yesterday after a brief cold front brought northeast winds. Observers noted 1 to 2 inches of snow available for transport in upper elevations. This snow will continue to build into thicker slabs near ridgelines and cross-loaded features. Paying attention to changes in snow density will key you into places where wind slabs exist.

    The older generation of wind slabs appears stubborn; however, don’t be lulled into trusting older slabs. In steep terrain, avoid riding on pillows of dense, thicker snow. You can avoid the problem by choosing terrain where the snow is sheltered or scoured by the wind.

    (2/15/2023)

    Blowing snow observed in the Flathead Range.

    Photo: gz

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday, riders found several inches of cold, dry snow from the recent underperforming storm in the Swan Range and up to six inches in the Flathead. Southwest winds transported light amounts of snow above 6000 feet. Saturday’s warm temperatures and sunny conditions left a crust on all aspects up to 5000 feet and up to 7000 feet on southerlies. Sluffing in the new snow was the only instability noted. 

A dedicated observer in the Swan Range noted no propagation on a buried layer of surface hoar in snowpit tests at his snow study plot. This is the first time without propagation in a long time and hopefully a sign of healing and strengthening of this pesky layer.

Today, extended periods of solar radiation may develop loose snow instabilities on sunny slopes. Tree bombs falling from branches, snow peeling off rock faces, and rollerballs are all precursors to loose slides. If loose snow slides develop, they may travel long distances due to the underlying crust. Stay ahead of the sun during your travels and limit time spent underneath south and west aspects this afternoon.  

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