Avalanche hazard rated moderate around the Flathead

In their Jan. 15 avalanche advisory for the Flathead Range, southern Glacier National Park, the Swan Range and the Whitefish Range, the Flathead Avalanche Center categorized the hazard as moderate above 5,000 feet on wind-loaded slopes and slopes steeper than 35 degrees. All other slopes have a low hazard rating.

“Fresh wind slabs and a persistent weak layer in isolated locations make it possible to trigger an avalanche today,” the center announced on their Web site. “Shallow wind slabs exist at upper elevations due to moderate winds yesterday. In areas with a more shallow snowpack, the surface hoar from mid-December still exists. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and identify features of concern.”

A skier posted an observation on the center’s Web site that was made on Jan. 12 at 7,000 feet below Comeau Pass in Glacier National Park.

“There was a significant avalanche that presumably came from the south face of Mt. Edwards, filling the basin below Comeau Pass with debris,” the skier reported. “Due to the cloud level, we were unable to see crown origination. This likely occurred during the last storm cycle. Otherwise, good skiing was had, about 3 to 4 inches of powder on a supportable layer above 6,000 feet.”

A professional posted an observation made Jan. 13 around the BNSF Railway mainline in the John F. Stevens Canyon along the southern boundary of Glacier Park. Debris from several avalanches that occurred Jan. 6 were visible on both sides of Shed 7.

“Ascent conditions were difficult due to unconsolidated snow at elevations below about 5,000 feet elevation, and a well-established crust at elevations above 5,400 feet to our highest elevation of 5,640 feet,” the post said. “No audible failures, collapses, and/or shooting cracks.”