20-21

Natural avalanches near Fairy Lake

Fairy Lake
Bridger Range
Code
SS-N-R1-D1
Aspect
NE
Latitude
45.90430
Longitude
-110.95800
Notes

Two parties skiing near Fairy Lake on October 19th observed several natural avalanches that likely broke the day before (Sunday, Oct 18th). The avalanches broke in areas of wind drifted snow.

Number of slides
1
Number caught
0
Number buried
0
Avalanche Type
Soft slab avalanche
Trigger
Natural trigger
R size
1
D size
1
Images
October Avalanche Crown in The Great One
Small natural avalanche near Fairy Lake
Slab Thickness units
centimeters
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Single Avalanche
Advisory Year
20-21

A runner sent this photo from Octoberr 16th in the Absarokas... "The old snow has created a bed surface that is a cause for concern as more snow falls, the wind continues to blow, and temperatures drop. Also the areas where the wind has cross loaded into thick slabs is a bit worrisome. Those are easy to see in the photos." Photo: J. Dalimata

Out of Advisory Area, 2020-10-20
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  • Original

    • GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Mon Oct 19, 2020

    Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion

    <p>Avalanche season is here. While most slopes still have rocks and grass poking through a shallow coat of fresh snow, especially at lower elevations, there are some higher elevation slopes with dense, wind drifted snow that hold the potential to avalanche. Right now the hazard is still localized. Slopes where new snow is drifted deeper may provide enough coverage to eke out a few turns, but are also the most likely place to trigger an avalanche.&nbsp;</p>

    <p>Avalanches don’t discriminate - they don’t care if you’re trying to get a head start on the ski season, looking for early season ice to climb, or out scouting for game before the start of rifle season. Either choose to avoid steep, snow covered slopes entirely or prepare for avalanches like you would in the middle of winter.&nbsp;</p>

    <p>Bring a partner, carry rescue gear (beacon, shovel and probe) and travel one at a time in avalanche terrain. Cracking and collapsing of the snow is bulls-eye information that the snow is unstable. Avalanches will likely be small, but the many exposed rocks and hazards make small slides season ending at best and deadly at worst.&nbsp;</p>

    <p>We are preparing for winter, scheduling avalanche classes, and setting up weather stations. 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><u>websi…;, email (<a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com"><strong><u>mtavalanche@gmail.com</u></str…;), 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:

    Doug will do an online Forecaster Chat about early season snowpack and avalanche accidents on Thursday, November 5 at 6 p.m. It is hosted by Uphill Pursuits and details will be posted soon.

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