Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
<p>This week’s storm changed the avalanche picture. Backcountry travelers will find a layered snowpack capable of producing avalanches across the forecast area in most mid to upper-elevation terrain. Storm totals since Saturday in the mountains around Bozeman and Big Sky are 20-24” (1.3-1.8” of <a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/#snow-water-equivalent-swe… water equivalent-SWE</span></a>), with 10-14” near West Yellowstone and Island Park (1.1-1.4” SWE) and 7” (0.7” SWE) in Cooke City. Visit our <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/weather/wx-avalanche-log"><strong><span>wea… log</span></strong></a> for a daily breakdown. As Alex discussed in a short <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv-xejsRWkg"><strong><span>video</span>…;, the snow on the ground is likely the foundation of this season’s snowpack.</p>
<p>Expect and prepare for avalanches within the new and wind-drifted snow. Slides will be likely at the tail end of this week’s storm, especially around Bozeman and Big Sky, where the most snow fell and winds gusted 40-60 mph. Without additional loading, stability will improve throughout the week. However, uncertainty is high this time of year as we learn the specifics of a new snowpack. Employ an information-gathering mindset and a healthy distrust for steep snow-covered slopes. Signs of instability, such as recent avalanche activity, shooting cracks and collapsing, are red flags and reasons to avoid avalanche terrain. Dig a quick snowpit to assess for instability when obvious signs are not present.</p>
<p>Early season avalanches on the Sphinx last weekend (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/32052"><strong><span>photos and details</span></strong></a>), outside the advisory area on Emigrant Peak on Monday (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/32047"><strong><span>photo and details</span></strong></a>), along with an observation of signs of instability on Mount Blackmore from Saturday (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/32041"><strong><span>observation</span…;) are clear indicators that avalanche season is here. Whether hunting, skiing, riding, climbing or sledding, if you cross a steep slope where snow is deep enough to cover the grass and rocks, you may be able to trigger a slide. Carry rescue gear (beacon, shovel and probe) and follow safe travel procedures in and around avalanche terrain.</p>
<p>Public observations are incredibly valuable as we develop a picture of the season's snowpack. Please contribute to our community’s knowledge by <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/add/snow_obs"><strong><span>submitting your observations</span></strong></a>, and look through our <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/snow-observations-list"><strong><span>obser… page</span></strong></a> for additional information before your next backcountry adventure.</p>
