Two to four feet deep and ran on facets after getting hit with an Avalauncher round. Photo: Big Sky Snow Safety
11-12
Northern Madison, 2011-11-12
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Sat Nov 12, 2011
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
Weather this fall has been relatively warm and dry, but snow on high elevation, N facing slopes has been sitting on the ground for nearly a month. We suspected this snow had become faceted, and I confirmed this suspicion yesterday on Sphinx Mountain just south of Big Sky. My partner and I found sugary, faceted snow capped by fresh wind slabs (photo). On a small test slope we easily triggered one of these wind slabs (photo). Hoping this was an i
On most slopes with a northerly aspect, old snow from several weeks ago has become faceted and is now capped by wind slabs from southerly winds. Don't trust wind slabs especially in high consequence terrain. Photo: GNFAC
This small slope had a wind slab resting on top of weak, faceted snow found at high elevation, northerly aspects. It was used as a test slope, and the wind slab fractured as soon as it was stepped on. Photo: GNFAC
From an email: "Just wanted to let you know that I observed a decent size avalanche yesterday skiing up in the Mill Creek area. The aspect of the slope was NE, approx start point @ 9922' it ran for 300 yards, approx 100' wide, started as point release but released a 1' deep loose slab on side of chute. The debris pile at the bottom was 7.5' deep." Photo: D. Sene
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Sat Nov 12, 2011
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Mon Oct 17, 2011
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion