Central Swan Range

Spent the day touring in Upper Lick Creek with spring-like snow squalls, sunshine, plenty of dense new snow, and a wolverine sighting. •Snow totals increased to 4-6" around 6000'. Crust was supportable underneath and travel was fast. Above 7500' at least 2ft of new snow was observed. •Sunshine came out between 10am-1pm and quickly affected solar aspects, producing rollerballs and making surface snow wet, heavy. Shaded aspects held up fine. •Our intention was to assess conditions (mainly windslab concerns) along the leeward side of the Swan Crest with the idea of skiing Wolverine Peak. Our plans changed when we watched a wolverine loping around the area (that burned a couple hours). Snow showers and a low cloud ceiling kept us from climbing higher in the afternoon. •Unreactive, 6-12" windslab (1F) was found on inconsequential, gentle terrain. Overall, snow quality was good, but dense at most elevations, even at 8000'. Would expect to find stiffer, thicker windslab on leeward slopes near ridgeline. We enjoyed surfy powder on N facing between 8000-6000'. •Winds were calm for most of the day with occasional light gusts. Minimal wind transport occurring. •We experienced good views on all aspects and elevations with no recent avalanche activity.

Central Swan Range

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