Avalanche

Shields ridge

MaxFlathead Range & Glacier NP
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Quick report

Started the day with an encouraging 18 degrees at the trailhead and spent the morning enjoying the sunshine with the goats in southern glacier park. Morning conditions were rock hard supportable crust, though soft snow did exist on sheltered aspects. Even in the morning though, it was heavy, and I avoided skiing any steep slopes with this wet snow. Corn arrived around by 10am. By 11:30, I was already sinking 4 inches into S facing slopes. More than enough evidence to convince me to avoid the temptation to ski the steeps today. Below 5500 on the exit in the trees is where things got gnarly. The snow was soaked through straight to the ground, and it was common for my skis to sink straight to the bottom. The heavy few feet of slush made for tough turning in my skinny lightweight skis. Many power pizzas were made. 48 degrees at the trailhead at 12:30 when I returned. No wind all day. Ample evidence of fresh and recent (within the last week) slides on many aspects.

Avalanche

Size
D2
Count
3
Aspect
S
Trigger
N
Elevation
6700 ft

Both sides of shields ridge. S chute off sub shields. W side of sub shields went basically to the ground. Plenty of slides on running rabbit on multiple aspects.