14-15

This avalanche on Crown Butte (seen from Miller Drainage) was triggered yesterday (Saturday) from by a snowmobiler. It broke as he rode up the hill and buried his sled, but not him. It is a southeast facing slope with the crown line around 9,900 feet. This slide path gets strong winds across slope as well as from the ridgeline. Steep wind-loaded slopes should be avoided.  50 mph gusts on Saturday stripped many upper elevation slopes and loaded others. Photo: GNFAC


Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Wed Dec 10, 2014GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Tue Dec 9, 2014GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Mon Dec 8, 2014
Cooke City, 2014-12-07
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    • GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Fri Dec 5, 2014

    Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion

    Cooke City

    In the past two days the mountains near Cooke City have received 1.1 inches of snow water equivalent. Mild temperatures and steady snowfall may improve stability in the long run. A layer of weak facets about 8-12 inches above the ground appears to be gaining strength as it adjusts to the weight of 3-4 feet of snow on top of it.

    GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Thu Dec 4, 2014

    Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion

    Cooke City

    Yesterday Beartooth Powder Guides did not see any recent natural avalanches. Mild weather has helped facets near the ground adjust to the massive load of new snow this area has received in the last two weeks when the snowpack increased 240% in terms of water content. Overnight this area received another 0.5 inches of snow water equivalent (about 5 inches of snow), and winds increased.

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