Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
<p>Yesterday afternoon, a solo skier triggered a large avalanche on Saddle Peak south of Bridger Bowl (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/21/skier-triggered-slide-saddle-powd…;, <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/21/skier-triggered-large-avalanche-s…;, <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/23489"><strong><u>detail</u></strong><…;). The slide broke 3 ft deep and ran 1700 vertical feet over large cliffs. Luckily the skier was not caught. Saddle Peak has only seen a handful of riders this year and this is the second large avalanche that has been triggered on it (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/23396"><strong><u>details</u></strong>…;). These slides are clear evidence that the snowpack this year is weaker and more reactive than usual. The weak snow at the ground has been waiting all season for a slab to develop (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYjGdWjKAzc&list=PLXu5151nmAvQDzKmH…;). New snow and strong winds have now built a substantial slab and pushed those weak layers to their breaking point. Avalanches will be easily triggered today. Avoid steep wind-loaded slopes entirely and be extremely skeptical of any avalanche terrain. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE on wind-loaded slopes in the Bridger Range and MODERATE on other slopes. </p>
<p>Yesterday, we got numerous reports of unstable test results, large collapses, and shooting cracks across the rest of the mountains from Bozeman to West Yellowstone (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/21/crack-upper-bear-basin"><strong><…;). These are all signs that the weak snow near the ground remains unstable and shouldn’t be trusted (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jzopnikTNE"><strong><u>video</u></stro…;). With slightly less new snow and wind-loading the snowpack is not on a hair trigger, but triggering a large and dangerous avalanche is very much a possibility. Watch for signs of instability and carefully assess the snowpack before committing to any steep slopes. With human triggered avalanches possible, the avalanche danger is MODERATE today. </p>
<p>Cooke City generally has a stronger snowpack and you are unlikely to trigger an avalanche today. The standard travel advice applies: ride with a partner, carry rescue gear, and only expose one person at a time to steep slopes. Wednesday’s snowmobile triggered slide on Crown Butte is a good reminder to stay vigilant and always be ready in case you get unlucky and trigger a slide (<a href="https://youtu.be/UEY5A4YXibg"><strong><u>video</u></strong></a>). The avalanche danger is LOW today.</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>
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:
