Swift Creek

We traveled into the southern Gros Ventre Range to identify the differing snow surfaces and their distribution before the upcoming storm. We observed all aspects of lower, middle, and upper elevations. Lower elevations are largely comprised of faceted snow that has been preserved by recent temperature inversions. At middle elevations, a supportable crust can be found on southern aspects, with southwest slopes holding the thicket crust. These crusts have a layer of faceted snow beneath them ~5 - 8 inches thick. East and west aspects also harbor thin crusts, and occasional patches of wind-board on exposed terrain while northern aspects are comprised of faceted snow. In upper elevations, the distribution of crusts is similar to middle elevations on southern and eastern aspects, while stiff wind boards up to 6 inches thick lie on western slopes. Light-faceted snow remained in sheltered northern terrain in upper elevations. Snow on exposed northern terrain has been significantly wind-affected, creating a very dense wind board. Snow depths averaged 1 meter (3 feet) at middle and upper elevations while lower elevations were significantly shallower.