Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>New snow will create the main avalanche hazards this weekend. Avalanches could show a range of characteristics, from slabs of wind-drifted snow to wet-loose avalanches that run long distances. Where more snow falls, slab avalanches could break within or below the new snow, even where not drifted.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>If you travel on or below steep slopes, carefully assess the new snow for instability. Continuously reassess snow stability throughout the day, and as you move through different aspects and elevations. Watch for snow blowing across ridgelines and cracking across the snow surface as a sign that fresh, unstable drifts exist. Dig down to assess stability within and below the new snow. With above freezing daytime temperatures, expect wet snow stability to decrease through the day and plan to be off of steep slopes before the snow surface becomes sticky or wet. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Wet snow avalanches breaking deeper than the new snow are possible on slopes that have wet, unfrozen snow below the new snow, or where a lot of precipitation falls as rain on a wet and unsupportable snowpack. Wet slab avalanches were triggered last week by riders in the Taylor Fork (</span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/31856"><span><span><span><strong><span… and details</span></span></u></span></strong></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span>) and the Northern Gallatin Range (</span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/31874"><span><span><span><strong><span… and details</span></span></u></span></strong></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span>), and similar slides broke naturally on Mt. Abundance near Cooke City (</span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/31866"><span><span><span><strong><span… and photos</span></span></u></span></strong></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span>) and in the Bridger Range north of Wolverine (</span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/24/wet-snow-avalanche-near-texas-mdw…;).</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Remain diligent with snowpack assessments and careful route-finding, and be ready to adapt your travel plan to changing conditions.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
Give Big Gallatin Valley is May 2-3, 2024.
On May 2-3, please support the excellent non-profits of Gallatin County, including the Friends of the Avalanche Center (GNFAC Giving Page HERE