East of Flower Point

We visited the southern Whitefish Range to present at the Patrol Fund Level 1 class, complete our monthly beacon practice, and examine the near-surface conditions closely.

• We thoroughly enjoyed visiting with the class. What a friendly group of students and instructors! 
• The crust formed during the abnormally warm weather of late January, and early February is 42 cm thick on an east aspect at 6400 feet and 35 cm thick on an SE aspect at 6600 feet.
• We could easily trigger loose snow slides in the 6-8" of unconsolidated dry snow resting on the crust on steep east aspects. Please see the avalanche tab for more information. 
• At least seven loose dry slides occurred in the Skook Chutes over the past day or two. The avalanche tab has more information.
• We are primed for a wet loose cycle once the sun and warmer temperatures occur.

Loose-dry avalanches remain a concern, particularly in northern aspects where 6-8 inches of unconsolidated snow rest on a stout crust.

Snowpit 1 - East aspect at 6400 feet. HS = 160 cm, with 18 cm of unconsolidated snow resting on a 42 cm thick crust. The snow below the crust was moist.

Snowpit 2 - Southeast aspect at 6600 feet. HS = 140 cm, with 20 cm of unconsolidated dry snow resting on a 35 cm thick crust. The snow below the crust was moist.