Avalanche

Cascadilla Creek

Mark DundasFlathead Range & Glacier NP
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Photo d’observation 1Photo d’observation 2Photo d’observation 3Photo d’observation 4Photo d’observation 5Photo d’observation 6Photo d’observation 7Photo d’observation 8Photo d’observation 9Photo d’observation 10Photo d’observation 11

Quick report

We visited Cascadilla Creek to examine the avalanche activity associated with the recent warm, windy, wet storm.

  • Multiple soft slab crowns were observed at all elevations on N-E-S aspects. We did not have a view of the westerly facing slopes. Avalanches were primarily storm and wind slabs; however, we suspect some may have failed as wet slabs.
  • Hard slabs were noted on northeast and east aspects, mainly at upper elevations. 
  • Wet loose activity occurred on steep, low, and mid-elevations, but the number of slides and the size of the debris were underwhelming. This was today's biggest surprise and disappointment. 
  • Impressive runnels on all slopes at all elevations indicate that the rain line reached at least 7300 feet in this drainage. 

Weather

Air Temp
35
Cloud Cover
few
Wind Loading
none
Rain Elevation
5500
Recent Snowfall
0

Thick low-level fog burned off by late morning. Warm and mostly sunny after that, with no hint of a breeze.

Snowpack

Once out of the trees, the surface had a 1-inch-thick melt-freeze crust at low elevations. 

One small loose wet slide occurred at 1300, but that was the extent of activity during our visit.

Avalanche

Size
D2 R2
Type
SS
Count
10
Aspect
E
Trigger
N
Elevation
6000 ft