17-18

<p>If you didn’t get enough mashed potatoes at dinner last night, there should be plenty in the mountains today. The combination of above freezing temperatures and rain at mid to low elevations will turn the snow into a soft and sticky mess. Above 8,500 ft. temperatures have dropped below freezing, which will firm up the snow surface at least during the morning hours.</p>

<p>Today, there will be a variety of avalanche problems to look out for. Below 8,500 ft. the main problem will be wet loose avalanches. The lack of freezing temperatures combined with rain has turned the snowpack nearly isothermal in many locations. This means the snowpack has lost much of its cohesion and strength, which will make wet snow avalanches possible in steep terrain (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/17/wet-slides-beehive-basin">photo</…;). Be extra cautious when traveling in areas where terrain traps such as creek beds or gullies are present.</p>

<p>A secondary avalanche problem will be wind slabs. This hazard will be confined to upper elevation terrain loaded by westerly winds. I don’t expect fresh wind slabs be exceptionally large or touchy, but they will be something to look out for when traveling at higher elevations.</p>

<p>In non-wind loaded areas where temps have dropped below freezing the snowpack will be mostly stable. Earlier in the week, Doug and I rode and skied around Cooke City and found mostly stable snow in our snowpits. Even on sunnier aspects, which usually hold shallower and weaker snow, the structure was strong and stable (<strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGMeTxj_YcU&amp;list=PLXu5151nmAvQSYtIf…;, <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/17/digging-pit-scotch-bonnet">photo<…;).</p>

<p>Today, the wet snow avalanche danger is rated <strong>MODERATE</strong> on mid to low elevation slopes. The dry snow avalanche danger is rated <strong>MODERATE</strong> on high elevation, wind loaded slopes.</p>

<p>If you get out and have any avalanche or snowpack observations to share, drop a line via our <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/add/snow_observation">website</a&gt;, email (<a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com">mtavalanche@gmail.com</a&gt;), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>

<p>Some days the big lines will go, but other days they won't. It's up to you to decide, because the best days are the ones when you return home safely. Three skiers walk through the decision making process in <a href="https://mtavalanche.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6653a830e4819c9e…; target="_blank"><em>Get Avalanche Smart - Episode 3: The Great One.</em></a></p>

<p>The main avalanche concern today is fresh drifts formed by recent snow and wind. On wind loaded slopes it will be possible to trigger an avalanche. Fresh drifts of snow could be triggered by skiers, climbers, or snowmobilers. Avoid these drifts that are likely found near ridgelines or along the steep edges of gullies. A small slide can be harmful in the wrong terrain, and it is possible for a slide to break deeper into old snow (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/17/big-sky-avalanche-control"><stron…;).</p>

<p>Throughout our advisory area the mountains have 3-5 feet of snow with 6 feet near Cooke City. Heavy, dense snowfall since mid-September was accompanied by relatively warm temperatures to promote a generally stable snowpack with a lack of widespread weak layers. Doug and Eric are in Cooke City where they checked many slopes yesterday and found a deep, stable snowpack (<strong><a href="https://youtu.be/BGMeTxj_YcU">video</a></strong&gt;, <strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/17/digging-pit-scotch-bonnet">photo<…;). Eric was in Beehive last weekend and was cautiously optimistic about stability (<strong><a href="https://youtu.be/u2sRTMjaIcI">video</a></strong&gt;). These are a few data points within a large advisory area, and stability can change over a short distance. Before committing to ride in avalanche terrain, dig to assess the snowpack on slopes similar to those you plan to ride for the day (<strong><a href="https://youtu.be/omz-G0veivc">video</a></strong&gt;).</p>

<p>Rain and above freezing temperatures are bad for stability, and are unusual weather for late November when there is already 3-5 feet of snow on the ground. Unusual weather creates unusual avalanches. If you get out to earn your turkey for Thanksgiving, be ready to adjust your plan to unexpected or changing conditions. Avoid avalanche terrain if there is more than a few inches of unconsolidated, wet snow on the surface, or if you see loose avalanches or pinwheels (<strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/friendsgnfac/photos/pcb.10155779158610030/1015…;

<p>If you get out and have any avalanche or snowpack observations to share, drop a line via our <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/add/snow_observation">website</a&gt;, email (<a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com">mtavalanche@gmail.com</a&gt;), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>