09-10

The Bridger, northern Gallatin, northern Madison Ranges and mountains around Cooke City:

The Bridger, northern Gallatin, northern Madison Ranges and mountains around Cooke City:

The Bridger, northern Gallatin, northern Madison Ranges and mountains around Cooke City:

The Bridger, northern Gallatin, northern Madison Ranges and Mountains around Cooke City: 

The Bridger Range and northern Gallatins have the deepest snowpack in the area with a settled base depth of close to three feet.  This pack remains relatively strong despite the new snow, cold temperatures and strong winds we've experienced during the past few days.  Strong E-NE winds have scoured north and east facing slopes while depositing firm wind slab on south and west facing slopes. 

60 cm of weak, unconsolidated facets.  This snowpack does not have a leg to stand on.  We sunk straight to the ground when we stepped out of our skis.  Watch out when we get more snow. 

The Bridger, northern Gallatin, and northern Madison Ranges:

The Bridger, northern Gallatin, and northern Madison Ranges:

With numb fingers, Mark Staples puts up the weather station at LuLu Pass outside Cooke City.  It was a frigid 2F with a 20 mph wind. It measures wind speed, direction, temperature and relative humidity. This new station was recently purchased by the Friends of the Avalanche Center.

The Bridger and northern Gallatin Ranges: