20-21

<p>While the Bridger Range and Lionhead area are a two hour drive apart, you’ll find similar conditions in the two areas today. These areas saw the most snowfall out of this last storm (5-6”) and in the case of the Bridgers, also the strongest winds (with gusts of 40 mph). This combination, on top of a weak lower snowpack, has created unstable conditions and avalanches will be easily triggered today on wind-loaded slopes. With increased winds overnight in the Bridger Range, expect to find newly formed and thicker wind drifts today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unfortunately, the snowpack is bringing 2020’s problems into the new year. The weak snow at the ground has shown it can’t handle a load. Each time we’ve gotten even a small snowfall we’ve seen signs of instability, either avalanches or dramatic “whumpfs” and collapsing of the snowpack (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWeNgK6_PTs&amp;list=PLXu5151nmAvQDzKmH…;). Expect the same today. If you get onto a steep windloaded slope, you are likely to trigger a slide. Avoid steep windloaded slopes and carefully assess all other steep slopes.</p>

<p>The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE on windloaded slopes today and MODERATE on all other slopes.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The Madison and Gallatin Ranges have the same weak snowpack, just with a slightly smaller load of new snow. Triggering an avalanche on weak snow near the ground is a very real possibility. Stay on alert for bullseye signs of instability - recent avalanches, collapses, or shooting cracks. If you don’t see these clear signs, dig a snowpit and keep searching for instability (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gk8W8nlUMpw"><strong><u>video</u></stro…;). We’ve seen avalanches even with small loading events this year and just can’t trust this snowpack (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jzopnikTNE"><strong><u>video</u></stro…;

<p>Human triggered avalanches are possible and the avalanche danger is MODERATE.</p>

<p>You are unlikely to trigger an avalanche today near Cooke City. However, if you get unlucky and find just the wrong spot you could still trigger a slide. On Wednesday morning, a snowmobiler triggered a slide on Crown Butte that ran 400 vertical feet and piled up debris that was easily deep enough to bury someone (<a href="https://youtu.be/UEY5A4YXibg"><strong><u>video</u></strong></a&gt;). This is a good reminder to always be prepared and carry rescue gear so you’re ready to respond if something goes wrong. 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>