Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
<p>The arithmetic is basic: Wind + snow = wind slabs. 4-6” of snow that fell in Hyalite and Big Sky Monday night got blown into thicker drifts that can be triggered today. On slopes not affected by the wind it’s unlikely to trigger an avalanche. Ian and I were on <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/19525"><strong><u>Wheeler Mountain</u></strong></a> in the northern Gallatin Range yesterday and found sugary, faceted snow that would not support our weight when we stepped out of our skis (<a href="https://youtu.be/6ax6l1PhUb0"><strong><u>video</u></strong></a>). We also found 6” of new snow that was likely blown into drifts last night. A skier on Divide Peak and the Big Sky Ski Patrol also reported fresh snow available for transport. </p>
<p>Wind drifts are most susceptible to triggering when they are new, like today. Shooting cracks are a sign that slabs of windblown snow can avalanche. Be wary near ridgetops. On slopes without wind loading it’s a good habit to dig and test before getting on steep terrain no matter the danger rating. For today the avalanche danger is rated MODERATE on wind loaded slopes and LOW on all others.</p>
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<p>The Bridger Range is windy, but lacks new snow to blow around. The southern mountains to West Yellowstone and Cooke City are calmer. Without new snow to load slopes or get blown into drifts the snowpack is generally stable and avalanches are unlikely. A buried weak layer of surface hoar is still lurking a foot or so under the surface in our southern mountains, but is not a serious concern…yet. It needs to get buried deeper, which may take a while given our paltry storms. Alex shows us this layer and reminds us to look for signs of instability like shooting cracks in his <a href="https://youtu.be/I6AleixLxTI"><strong><u>video from Taylor Fork</u></strong></a> this weekend. To avoid getting unlucky and finding a rogue instability, do a quick stability test before exposing yourself to serious terrain. For today the avalanche danger is rated LOW. </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 Education Opportunities
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:
