Rescue Creek

We traveled to Rescue Creek for evidence of recent avalanche activity associated with the intense post-Christmas storms. We were also interested in the travel conditions in this drainage. 

• At mid-elevations, we noted two large slab avalanches and several smaller ones. These may have failed during the historic storm that deposited five inches of SWE at Noisy Basin. The Flathead Range often benefits from spill-over precipitation during events that clobber the Swan. 
• Ridgeline elevation clouds and flat light kept views of upper elevations to a minimum. 
• We found a freezing-rain crust on the surface at 3500 feet, which increased in thickness as we gained elevation. This crust proved troublesome to ski at our high point (6000 feet). Below 5200 feet, the crust was much more manageable.
• The recent easterly winds only affected the mouth of the drainage and did not affect the terrain further up this drainage. This is common for easterly winds in this valley.
• We were pleasantly surprised to find a meter-deep snowpack at 4200 feet. 

• The snowpack depth varied between 100+ cm at 4200 feet to 180 cm at 5500 feet.
• The 12/18 rain crust was found at low and mid elevations and was knife-hard and up to 6 cm thick. Above 5000 feet, this crust is buried at 80+ cm.
• Despite the abundant exposed brush, this drainage appears to have been favored by this season's snowfall.