18-19

<p>The freezing line fluctuated around 7,500-8,000’ which is where many of the weather stations sit. Higher elevations got snow, while lower saw slushy rain. In the last 5 days the Bridger Range has gotten 4.2” of <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/or/snow/?cid=nrcs142p2… water equivalent</a>, 1.6” in the last 24 hours. If this was mid-winter that would be a 4-foot snow storm, but at the weather stations only 20” has been measured. Most other areas received about half that amount.</p>

<p>Skiers at Fairy Lake in the northern Bridger Range reported vicious, snow-scraping winds yesterday (<strong><a href="https://youtu.be/sypzM2pr1P4">video</a></strong&gt;). With a lot of new snow in the higher elevations wind drifts will be thick, rubbery (from the warmer temperatures), and likely stubborn to trigger, but not impossible. Areas throughout southwest Montana that got new snow and wind are suspect to avalanching with a skier or rider. As the mountains transition from fall to winter snow conditions and stability can change faster than we might expect.</p>

<p>For today, avoid wind drifted slopes which will be found at all elevations and especially near ridgelines. We are not issuing danger ratings until we begin daily avalanche forecasts. If you plan on skiing or riding in avalanche terrain, I recommend digging a quick pit to the ground and testing the layers. It’s good practice and will yield valuable information as this snow is the foundation that may or may not support the next 5 months of snowfall.</p>

<p>Backcountry travel precautions require extra thought this time of year. We may forget to bring a beacon, or think that traveling solo is fine because there’s not much snow on the ground. Our safety protocol should be a ritual, no matter the time of year: a beacon with strong alkaline batteries, a shovel and probe that can be smoothly assembled, and of course, a partner with the same equipment. &nbsp;Equipment is dead weight unless we are practiced using it. &nbsp;</p>

<p>If you get outside send us an observation via our website, email (<a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com">mtavalanche@gmail.com</a&gt;), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>

<p>The season’s first avalanches were reported yesterday. The Big Couloir at Big Sky slid for a long distance (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/18964">report</a></strong&gt;) and many avalanches were seen in the Bridger Range (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/18966">report</a></strong&gt;). Near ridgetops 1-2’ of snow has fallen since Wednesday and yesterday the winds blew strong out of the west loading many slopes. Natural avalanches occurred and more snow today and tomorrow guarantees more avalanches.</p>

<p>I get it. Everyone is itching to get out skiing, and you can, but it requires careful route finding and assessment to pull it off safely. Some rules of thumb:</p>

<ul>
<li><!--[if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]-->Steep slopes, especially those wind-drifted, should be avoided.</li>
<li><!--[if !supportLists]--><!--[endif]-->Rocks and other obstacles are hidden under the thin snow and will injure or kill you if you are caught in a slide.</li>
<li><!--[if !supportLists]-->Carry all your rescue gear (beacon, shovel, probe) and also all your normal protective gear (helmet, airbag, etc). Carry the same gear today that you carry in January. Early season is not a time to be lazy because avalanches don’t know it is early season.</li>
<li><!--[if !supportLists]-->Travel one at a time in avalanche terrain.</li>
<li><!--[if !supportLists]-->Take an avalanche class (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/workshops/calendar">schedule</a></strong&gt;).</li>
</ul>

<p><u>Climbers</u> searching high elevation ice, like on the Sphinx, are especially vulnerable this weekend since it’s near impossible to avoid avalanche terrain.</p>

<p><u>Hunters</u> are not immune to slides. Crossing snow filled gullies can be treacherous so avoid them completely or cross one at a time with a partner watching. If you are solo, be extra careful.</p>

<p>Skiers, climbers and hunters have all been killed by early season avalanches in southwest Montana. Temper your enthusiasm and be extra wary. Let’s face it, we are all a bit rusty in snowpack evaluation, rescue, and winter travel.</p>

<p>To sharpen the mind I recommend reading <strong><a href="http://www.mtavalanche.com/accident/12/10/31">this accident report</a></strong> from October 2012 in the northern Bridger Range, and <strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/accident/17/10/12">this report</a></strong> from the tragic accident last October on Imp Peak.</p>

<p>We are preparing for winter, scheduling avalanche classes, and setting up weather stations. If you get outside send us an observation via our website, email (<a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com">mtavalanche@gmail.com</a&gt;), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>