22-23

Location. North of Hebgen lake 1/2mi east of white peak.
Elevation 9200ft/ Aspect S

moderate winds with strong gusts. Isolated wind slabs observed.  
 

HS 140

Compression test

CTH4 RP @115. CTH9 BRK @40

I triggered a thin wind slab this afternoon at the top of Chute One on the Bridger ridge. I ski cut into the line from the North between the first small rock band and the concave feature just below the crest of the ridge. The thin slab was reactive immediately and propagated 6' - 8' ahead of my skis and continued to propagate until I reached the first small spine to the South. The slab consisted of fresh snow only and was less than a foot deep, perhaps only a few inches, but I estimate the crown to be 20' - 30' wide. It ran over the small rock band at the top of the line and down to, and perhaps through, the pinch of Chute One. I don't think it made it to skier's traverse. Definitely not enough mass for a burial, but perhaps enough to knock you off your feet. I exited to the south and skied the less steep Chute Three and alerted BBSP.    

P.S. - Since this was in the ski area, I didn't check "Share Snow Obs", but if you all think there's value in sharing it, just let me know. -Matt

9300 ft North Aspect

165 height of snow, minimal wind effect

ECTP 22 - 35cm down on the buried surface hoar.

First pit over the weekend that produced propagation and obvious signs of instability.

Yesterday we toured around Mt Blackmore. We decided to make conservative choices and stay out of avalanche terrain and did not dig a full pit. Next to a meadow we did ski, on a northeast aspect above Blackmore lake, we did a quick ski cut on to a steeper slope. This cut readily released the new snow (~8in at this particular location) and it slid for about 50 feet on a 34 degree slope. This location did not present any signs of significant wind loading. The interface below the snow from the weekend will certainly be something to look out with more snow on the way.

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 

 None Observed 

Cracking? 

 None Experienced 

Collapsing? 

 None Experienced 

We observed a strong cohesive snowpack on a wind loaded slope NE of Two Top. But we noticed three separate buried SH layers. First 5cm from surface second @ 25cm third @55cm. These buried SH layers tend to be touchy. They are concerning in that the deeper layers rest above and below densely packed wind blown slab.

Three separate layers of Buried SH within the top 100cm of the snow pack. The top layer @5cm from the surface is not worrisome at this time but with added snow in the future it has potential to become a problem layer. The second and third layer @25cm,@55cm,from surface could be human triggered, with the potential of a deadly slab avalanche.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:

Partly Cloudy 

Temperature:

17° 

Wind:

Light , SW 

New/Recent Snowfall:

No resent snow 

Upper elevations mostly sunny the past 2 days.Lower elevations experienced AM fog Light winds. We noticed ridge top blowing snow.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:

Partly Cloudy 

Temperature:

17° 

Wind:

Light , SW 

New/Recent Snowfall:

Avalanche Observations

Avalanche Observation Comments:

Observed several natural avalanches on NE ridge at Two Top below cornice in steep wind loaded terrain

Snowpack Observations

NNE aspect 8186ft, 44.62319,-111.24732, HS230,PWL buried SH@ 5cm,25cm,55cm from surface. First test, CTMsc@55 second test CTMsc@25. ECTN27@25 

Layer Depth/Date: Jan.22,2023  
Weak Layer(s):  Jan 5, 2023 (SH) 
Comments: Buried SH 5,25, 55, CTMsc@55, CTMsc@25 ECTN 27@ 25

Buried layers of SH. These layer's seem to be very widespread throughout the region. They are worrisome in that they could be human triggerd with deadly potential.

Terrain Use

Our travel Plan to avoid any terrain greater than 30°. There are many options in this area to have a challenging ride without exposing the group to avalanche hazard.