Given the cold, fall temperatures, this snow may stick around. Early season snow is the foundation to our winter’s snowpack and we pay close attention to it. Once on the ground snow changes quickly. Sometimes it becomes weaker and remains a problem for months. The best way to get a strong base layer is for more snow to fall while the worst option is for it to sit there exposed to cold temperatures.
On the snowpack front, there’s not a whole lot to report…yet. Around Bozeman and Big Sky, shaded, north facing, high elevation slopes are still holding snow that fell during the beginning of October (video). These few inches of snow have changed to sugary facets. Buried facets, even thin layers, are prone to avalanche once they get buried.
HUNTERS: Be wary of crossing steep, snow covered slopes while hunting. I recommend carrying an inclinometer to help identify avalanche terrain (slopes steeper than 30 degrees) so you can avoid them.
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Mark Staples and Doug Chabot assemble the Taylor Fork Weather Station before the weather turns to winter. This station, along with the ones in Hyalite, Lionhead and Cooke City, were purchased and are maintained by the Friends of the Avalanche Center. Photo: GNFAC
Bridger Range Madison Range
