23-24

Loose Snow Avalanches at Second Yellow Mule, Buck Ridge

Buck Ridge
Northern Madison
Code
L-AFc-R1-D1.5-O
Elevation
9350
Aspect
N
Latitude
45.17190
Longitude
-111.38000
Notes

Loose snow avalanches were triggered easily from the ridgeline. These avalanches would start from new and wind-drifted snow but entrain larger amounts of snow from facet weak snow below. This resulted in gouging sluffs that were deeper than just new snow. 

Number of slides
5
Number caught
0
Number buried
0
Avalanche Type
Loose-snow avalanche
Trigger
Foot penetration
Trigger Modifier
c-A controlled or intentional release by the indicated trigger
R size
1
D size
1.5
Bed Surface
O - Old snow
Problem Type
Loose Dry
Vertical Fall
85ft
Snow Observation Source
Slab Thickness units
centimeters
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Multiple Avalanches
Advisory Year

Natural Avalanche in Second Yellow Mule, Buck Ridge

Buck Ridge
Northern Madison
Code
SS-N-R1-D1.5-O
Elevation
9350
Aspect
N
Latitude
45.17190
Longitude
-111.38000
Notes

Riders at Buck Ridge saw a natural avalanche that likely happened on the morning of 01/06 following a storm the day before. From obs: 

Number of slides
1
Number caught
0
Number buried
0
Avalanche Type
Soft slab avalanche
Trigger
Natural trigger
R size
1
D size
1.5
Bed Surface
O - Old snow
Problem Type
Wind-Drifted Snow
Slab Thickness
12.0 inches
Vertical Fall
85ft
Slab Width
100.00ft
Snow Observation Source
Slab Thickness units
inches
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Single Avalanche
Advisory Year

From Obs: "Loose snow avalanches were still sensitive to triggers. These avalanches would start in the new snow but entrain the weak faceted snow below resulting in larger avalanches than what recent storm snow could produce on its own." Photo: GNFAC

Northern Madison, 2024-01-06