20-21
From obs: "Yesterday my partner and I attempted to ski the notch couloir off Koch Peak in the Hilgards. There was a strong western wind that picked up throughout the day, but we didn't notice any recent avalanche activity from the new snow. The snow seemed very consolidated underneath the new 6" or so that had fallen, but once we started skinning up the apron we noticed significant and variable wind-loading, so we dug a pit. Our pit was at the base of the couloir at approximately 10,400 and was directly east-facing.
From obs: "NW of Elf Lake. Lower Pitch in Trees, 2 well defined weak layers present primarily at surface (30cm) and just below at (20cm). 7785FT, Clear, 25F. 10 degree Slope Facing Easterly in forest below steeps." Photo: J Budreski
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Thu Nov 19, 2020
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
<p>The mountains throughout our advisory area have a layered snowpack, and avalanches can be triggered on steep slopes. Strong winds drifted last night’s snow into slabs which will continue to grow with strong west-southwest wind today and tomorrow.</p>
<p>Identify and avoid fresh drifts on steep slopes. Expect to find these drifts along ridgelines. Look for signs such as round pillows of snow and feel for relatively hard or hollow slabs. Photos from last week of a skier triggered avalanche (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/20/wind-slab-n-bridgers"><strong>pho…;) and cracking drifts (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/20/skier-triggered-hard-wind-slabs-n…;) are examples of what you might see today and this weekend. Stay diligent with snowpack stability assessment and safe travel protocols through the weekend. If you do ski or ride on steep slopes, assess the consequences of a slide and minimize exposure to trees, cliffs, bare rocks and confined gullies.</p>
<p>Before you go out make sure that all your avalanche rescue gear is in good condition, and practice using it. Watch Dave’s early season videos for tips on checking your gear (<strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Izkv4IIUmbk&list=PLXu5151nmAvQDzKmH…;) and practicing with your beacon (<a href="https://youtu.be/p1xuaaSq4YU"><strong>video</strong></a>). For more on early season snow conditions you can watch Doug’s 1-hour lecture from a couple weeks ago <a href="https://youtu.be/vyKdBBzd5IE"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>
<p>Every day we will update the <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/weather/wx-avalanche-log"><strong>weather log</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/photos"><strong>photos page</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/avalanche-activity"><strong>avalanche activity list</strong></a>. We will continue issuing early season updates and transition to daily avalanche forecasts when we get more snow. If you have avalanche, snowpack or weather observations to share, please submit them via our <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/add/snow_observation"><strong>website<…;, email (<a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com"><strong>mtavalanche@gmail.com</strong></a…;), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>
Upcoming Avalanche Education and Events
See our education calendar for an up to date list of all local classes. Here are a few select upcoming events and opportunities to check out:
"... from a mid elevation, due south aspect [on November 15 near Cooke City]. It sums up the structure around here pretty well. Knife hard melt/ freeze snow at the bottom (from the late Oct/ early Nov. warm up). Then about 40cms of F to 4F powder, on top..." Photo: B. Fredlund