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Skookoleel Observation

Location Name: Skookoleel Ridge Observation date: Saturday, December 15, 2018 - 12:00	Is this an Avalanche Observation: Yes

Observation made by: Professional Observer

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Quick Observation

Measured 82cm snow pack depth on a s/sw aspect.
Between 37 and 42 cm there was facets between 2 slabs.
This noted faceted layer is where we had the ECTP3 failure and poped off into my lap on our second ECT.
Walking across a less than 30 degree slope on the ridge line we had whumphing and collapsing.
Cornices were easy to kick off but no reaction to the weight load from the cornice fall on the slope below.
Snow contunied to transport and load from the s/sw and would scour and cross load on the slope as well as add to the contuned development of cornices.

Snowpack, Avalanche, Weather Images:

Travel Details

Region:

Whitefish Range - Southern (south of Coal Creek)

Route Description:

Started tour in Canyon Creek. Skined up the Smoky Range hiking trail to Skookoleel and then along the ridge toward Dorthy. Skied back into Canyon Creek along same ridge to avoid avalanche terrain.

Activity:

Skiing

Snowpack Details

Snowpack and Weather Details:

Terrain

Elevation of observation:

5000-6500 ft

Above 6500 ft

Aspect(s) of observation:

Red Flags:

Shooting cracks

Collapsing / whumpfing noises

Blowing snow

Persistent Weak Layers:

Surface Hoar

Facets or Faceted Crust

New Snow in the past 24 hours:

1.00in.

Total Snow Depth:

More comments about the snowpack and weather:

Observed cross loading, cornice development and moderate snow transportation from the s/sw winds. Cornices were sensitive and cracking, and audible whumphfing was noted. Snow quit about 1400, maybe1-2 inches of new snow accumulation. Sun and cloud cover was variable after the snow stoped. The snow in general was skiing well and no real sun crust from the sunny and warmer day before. Pockets of scoured snow were obvious with adjacent loading. Natural cornice fall was noticed but no notice of any avalanche activity.

Blowing Snow:

Moderate

Wind Speed:

Moderate (Small trees sway)

Wind Direction:

Southwest

Air temperature:

Below Freezing

Sky Cover:

Overcast (OVC)

Highest Precipitation Rate:

Very Light Snowfall (S-1)

Avalanche Details

Avalanche Details:

Date and Time of Avalanche:

Saturday, December 15, 2018 - 18:00

More information or comments about the avalanche:

Didn't see any avalanche signs but noted natural cornice fall

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