Avalanche

Flattop Mountain - Marias Pass

Paul FotterFlathead Range & Glacier NP
View on map
Observation photo 1Observation photo 2Observation photo 3Observation photo 4

Quick report

We arrived to the Marias Pass trailhead with hopes of ridgeline walking to avoid the persistent slab problem and enjoy good views, only to find out the ridges held literal walking as opposed to walking with skins on. We opted for the shorter dirt walk up Flattop Mountain as opposed to Elk Calf Mountain. From the saddle between the two mountains, there was minimal snow on ridgecrests from the combination of wind and sun/warm temps. There were exceptions in the form on incredible wind drifts. Winds were also cranking along the divide today, we estimated them to be blowing fairly steady at 30mph out of the West.

Avalanche

On the SE aspect of Little Dog we observed one avalanche that had fractured and creeped downhill, potentially a glide avalanche. To the right is another crown/glide crack. In the cliff bands above was a third crown. Date of these avalanches is unknown. See attached photos.