21-22

<p>Near Cooke City, there are weak layers buried a couple feet deep and you could still trigger a large avalanche. Over the last week there have been avalanches on these weak layers, including a fatal avalanche last Saturday on Miller Mountain (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/25906"><strong><u>Miller Mountain</u></strong></a>, <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/25941"><strong><u>Mount Abundance</u></strong></a>, <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/25937"><strong><u>Round Lake</u></strong></a>). It is getting more difficult to trigger avalanches on these layers, but the weak layers are widespread and recent collapsing, cracking and poor stability test scores show they have not gone completely dormant yet. With the possibility of triggering large avalanches today - don’t let your guard down. Always carry rescue gear, go one at a time on steep slopes, and keep an eye on your partners so you’re ready to respond if something goes wrong. The avalanche danger is rated MODERATE.</p>

<p>Triggering large avalanches is unlikely in the mountains around Bozeman, Big Sky, and West Yellowstone. Still, keep an eye out for pockets of wind-drifted snow, as these are places you’re most likely to be surprised. Winds were out of the east earlier this week and will increase from the west this afternoon, so you could find drifts on just about any slope. Check to make sure any wind drifts you find are well bonded before riding steep slopes. It is also worth keeping in mind the weak, faceted snow in the top 18” of the snowpack. We haven’t seen many avalanches on these weak layers yet, but there may still be lingering spots where you could get unlucky and trigger a slide. Rescue gear, reliable partners, and safe travel practices are very worthwhile insurance in case you do find an isolated instability. Today, the avalanche danger is rated LOW.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If you get out, please send us your observations no matter how brief. You can 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>