This avalanche happened behind Bridger Bowl during the week of 12/21. Possibly slid Wed (12/23) or Thurs (12/24)? If you look close you can see crowns across the entire slope, extending to above the smallest trees on the right of the photo. Photo: GNFAC
The snowpack throughout the mountains has received a much needed vacation from snow and wind loading. However, the snowpack structure is unstable and the avalanche danger remains elevated. Buried weak faceted snow in all areas will not go away anytime soon.
see caption with below photo. Photo: B. VandenBos
From e-mail: "Looks like a sizeable portion of the east face slid a few days ago. Significant amounts of avalanche debris covered portions of the frequently used skin track..."
Photo: B. VandenBos
Bridger Range Madison Range Gallatin Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
This natural avalanche occurred the night of Dec. 21st. It likely failded on facets near the ground due to a heavy wind load. Photo GNFAC
Three large avalanches have ocurred in the Saddle Peak area over the past week. These slides are all failing on weak facets near the ground and are obvious signs the snowpack is unstable. There is still plenty of snow left to produce future avalanches. Photo GNFAC
Bridger Range Madison Range Gallatin Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
On December 19, 2015 at approximately 1 p.m. snowmobilers triggered an avalanche on the SE face of Sheep Mountain outside Cooke City from low on the slope. The avalanche caught three people, partially burying one and fully burying the other two resulting in one death. The avalanche was estimated to be 100 feet wide, 400 feet vertical and 3-4 feet deep with a measured runout angle of 28°. The slope angle at the crown was assessed to be steeper than 40°. The victim’s head was buried six feet deep and CPR was administered, but he never regained vital signs.
