Snowpack

WMR sidecountry

Avalanche.org observerWhitefish Range
View on map

Quick report

We found no avalanche instabilities during our tour on north and south facing aspects other than manageable sluffing on steeper terrain. There was no wind loading and we skied close to a foot (at higher elevations) of medium-density pow on top of a crust on north facing aspects down to about 5,500 feet. The descent down Big Slide was surprisingly good the whole way down, but the skiing gradually became crustier as the elevation dropped. Low elevations remain thin and schwacky, but better than anticipated. No instability other than minor, manageable sluffing.

Weather

Air Temp
20
Cloud Cover
overcast
Wind Loading
none
Recent Snowfall
2-4
Snow Avail For Transport
moderate amounts

There were about 2 inches of medium density snow overnight and it snowed on and off all afternoon, accumulating to about 2 more inches. The snow started light in the early afternoon with moderate to heavy snow falling intermittently into late afternoon. Temps hovered around 20 degrees with no wind.

Snowpack

8-10 inches of fresh snow accumulated over the past week on top of a stout crust.