Bridger Range
A moist northwest flow continues to favor the Bridger Range. Over the past twelve hours more than a foot of new snow has fallen totaling more than 1” of SWE (snow water equivalent). Although the snowpack in the Bridger Range is relatively strong, this rapid and heavy load will likely create widespread instability.
Bridger Range Gallatin Range Madison Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone
Small and thin wind slabs occurred early this week after E winds. No other avalanche activity was observed which is a good sign. Photo: B. Fredlund
This natural avalanche was spotted in the northern Madison Range. It was the only one seen by this group aside from some wet point releases on south aspects. It occurred on a NNW aspect. This group reported snow that was deposited in odd places during E winds early this week. Also they observed surface hoar on N aspects. Photo: A. Whitmore.
The snowpack on Mt Ellis is looking surprisingly good for this time of year. Photo GNFAC
Cold clear nights and calm days have prompted the growth of surface hoar around Mt Ellis. These fragile, feathery crystals are easily destroyed by sun and wind, but can be a long standing problem if buried intact. With more snow in the forecast, this may become our next avalanche problem. Photo GNFAC
A group of 6 or 7 snowmobilers (part of a larger group of 13) ascended the northern end of Henderson Mountain from Fisher Creek. Two were climbing a slope, two were parked in a run out zone, and two or three others were riding in nearby trees when an adjacent slope avalanched. Of the two parked riders, one escaped and the other was buried 7 feet deep. Of the two riders climbing, one turned downhill as the avalanche released and was caught in the edge of the debris. He was caught, inflated his air bag backpack, and was buried to his waist.
Bridger Range Gallatin Range Madison Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
Skiers tested this wind slab on a small terrain feature. It cracked and would have produced a small avalanche if it had been on a steeper/bigger slope. Nearby at Big Sky Resort, the ski patrol triggered fresh wind slabs formed by recent N and NE winds. Photo: J. Gorum
