Swan Range

Warm temperatures will weaken surface snow as the day progresses. A falling cornice caused a large avalanche on a buried weak layer yesterday (Wednesday). Choose slopes free from overhead hazards and seek out shaded terrain if you begin to sink into the slushy surface snow.

The transition from winter to spring has been well-documented over the last week. Many mid-elevation weather stations have seen temperatures cycle above freezing during the heat of the day and below overnight over the previous seven days. During this time, we've seen all the typical harbingers of spring: tumbling cornice, frowning glide cracks, and diurnal Wet Loose activity. At a glance, it might seem like we're well into the spring rhythm. However, a wider lens reveals that we can still find winter if we look in the right places. 

Weather stations above 7000 feet (like Aeneas in the Swan Range or Link Mt in the central Whitefish) crept above freezing for the first time yesterday, and many observations still report dry snow on shaded aspects. Spring hasn't quite taken control in these areas, and a cold front arriving later today will buy more time for these strongholds of winter. If you're searching for powder riding, be attentive to surface conditions since Wet Loose activity can develop rapidly when dry snow transitions to moist for the first time. Rollerballs and pinwheels are precursors to Wet Loose slides and should persuade you to relocate or exit early. 

Buried weak layers are another lasting legacy from this winter. Our most recent evidence of this lingering problem occurred yesterday when Cam and Guy used a cornice to intentionally trigger a large, hard-slab avalanche in the central Whitefish Range. This slide demonstrates that triggering an avalanche on weak layers is becoming more difficult–but not impossible. 

FOFAC Event: March 30th, 2023– Whether you're chasing tan lines, big lines, or both, you'll learn something valuable from FAC Lead Forecaster Mark Dundas about spring avalanche problems, how they differ from winter problems, and how to manage them. We will also discuss current conditions and concerns (or lack thereof!) with our spring snowpack. Enjoy a cold brew from Bias Brewing and a scoop from Sweet Peaks Ice Cream. The event is free and open to everyone. Begins at 6 pm.

FOFAC Recording March 15th, 2023-- Cam's State of the Snowpack link here