10-11
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Sun Dec 12, 2010
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
The Bridger, Gallatin and Madison Ranges, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone, the mountains around Cooke City and the Washburn Range:
Yesterday, Mark rode into the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone and filled an empty hole in our forecasting data. The Lionhead was the last area we explored in detail, and what Mark found was an encouraging piece of information that ties our forecast area together. Reasonably stable snow blankets much of our advisory zone, creating a pleasure we did not experience once last season.
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Sat Dec 11, 2010
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
The Bridger, Gallatin and Madison Ranges, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone, the mountains around Cooke City and the Washburn Range:
High Pressure during the earlier part of this week developed a variety of weak surface layers that have been capped by fresh snow and wind slabs. Although warm temperatures and strong winds over the past few days have worked these layers in many areas, I suspect pockets of surface hoar and near surface facets have been preserved. These layers will be most problematic in areas that have received recent wind loading.
This weak and shallow snowpack was found on a SW facing slope around 8,000 ft on the west side of the Bridgers. Very little structure exist with in this snowpack which will likely be a problem once we get more snow.
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Sat Dec 11, 2010
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Fri Dec 10, 2010
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
The Bridger, Gallatin and Madison Ranges, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone, the mountains around Cooke City and the Washburn Range:
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Thu Dec 9, 2010
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
The Bridger, Gallatin and Madison Ranges, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone, the mountains around Cooke City and the Washburn Range:
This avalanche was triggered yesterday during the first day of explosives testing at Moonlight Basin. It occurred on a slope with a northerly aspect and broke on a layer of small facets about 8 inches above the ground. Photo: MLB Ski Patrol
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Wed Dec 8, 2010
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
The Bridger, Gallatin and Madison Ranges, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone, the mountains around Cooke City and the Washburn Range:
Winds increased significantly on Wed, Dec 8th. This is a photo of the northern Gallatin Range near Hyalite Canyon. Winds have been blowing so much snow that the Nat. Weather Service in Billings has been able to see it on their radar. Photo: R.J. Hawkins
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Tue Dec 7, 2010
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
The Bridger, Gallatin and Madison Ranges, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone, the mountains around Cooke City and the Washburn Range: