McClatchie McTricky

A fine sunny day for a toodle in the flathead region. We were able to drive to KM 46.5 on the McClatchie FSR, there is active logging in the area so make sure you have your radio and call your KM if you head up that way. We headed towards Next of Kin to investigate the sensitivity of the Persistent Slab problem that has been ongoing in this region. We found 30-65 cm of snow on the weak layer, and had multiple audible whumpfs while travelling on foot through mellow sheltered terrain between 1800-2000m. Rutschblock tests on North and south aspects produced easy repeatable results RB 1 and RB 2 whole block failures. The persistent weak layer in this area is 10 cm thick and consists of 15-20 mm surface hoar and facets over a supportive crust. This layer is not showing any signs of healing, and is widespread in the tree-line. While natural avalanche activity is tapering off in the flathead, human triggered avalanches are still likely. Below treeline is still very thin coverage, and warm temperatures have made the snowpack become isothermal. Alpine features have been largely affected by continued moderate winds. Loaded areas are suspect to have a wind slab problem, and wind stripped areas are a mix of ice, sastrugi, and rock. Unfortunately the reality is that where good ski quality exists, a reactive persistent slab problem is a dominating concern. This sent us home early with our skins still on, and with no travel in avalanche terrain today.