The avalanche concerns are the same: fresh, wind-drifted snow are where you’ll find the best turns and also the greatest avalanche potential. Be extra careful crossing wind-loaded gullies and small slopes above large cliffs. Even small slides can injure and kill. Hunters, ice-climbers and skiers are all in the same pool of risk this time of year.
What Alex wrote on October 19 is still true today:
Avalanche on wind-loaded, ENE aspect near ridgeline north of Sacajawea trail. Photo: B. VandenBos
Avalanche on wind-loaded, ENE aspect near the ridgeline North of the Sacajawea trail. Photo: B. VandenBos
This avalanche was observed on 10/18 on the north face of Mt. Blackmore in the Northern Gallatin range. From observer: "The crown here was less than a foot deep and over 100' wide." Photo: B. VandenBos
A foot of new snow with a density of around 10% (educated guess on both accounts) likely doubled the snowpack depth in the upper elevations. The attraction to get up there and slide around on your skis and boards is undeniable, but so is the avalanche potential. It is not unusual for Montana to report the nation’s first avalanche, or snow related accident or death. The skiing is best where it is deepest: in wind-loaded gullies. These areas are also the most avalanche prone, especially immediately following a storm.
