19-20

GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Sat Mar 7, 2020

Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion

<p>The weak snow near the ground remains problematic in the northern Gallatin Range, particularly on slopes with a thin snowpack. The likelihood of triggering a slab is decreasing with each day, but it is still possible. Skiers got unstable snowpack test results on this weak snow yesterday near Mount Ellis, indicating that despite the warm temperatures, the snowpack hasn’t stabilized yet. If you find the wrong spot, you could trigger a slide similar to last week’s groomer triggered avalanche in Swan Creek (<strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpWviZprZZM&amp;list=PLXu5151nmAvSbcbVf…;, <strong><a href="https://youtu.be/25MQg4PXJd4">video</a></strong&gt;, <strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/22269">details</a></strong&gt;). Dig a snowpit to look for and test these weak layers before riding steep slopes. The <u>dry snow</u> avalanche danger is MODERATE today.</p>

<p>Aside from wet snow, the snowpack is generally stable across the rest of the advisory area. This doesn’t mean all slopes at 100% safe. Be on alert for isolated pockets of instability. Especially if you’re getting into steeper, bigger, more consequential terrain. On Thursday, skiers on Skyline Ridge had a windslab crack and collapse as they approached the bottom of a steep chute (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/22347">details</a></strong&gt;). They listened to this sign and backed off the slope. Collapsing cornices are another concern. Minimize your time exposed below them and stay back from the edge if you’re above them. For today, the <u>dry snow</u> avalanche danger is rated LOW.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If you get out, please send us your observations no matter how brief. You can fill out an <strong><a href="https://mtavalanche.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6653a830e4819c9e…; target="_blank">observation form</a></strong>, email us (<strong><a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com&quot; target="_blank">mtavalanche@gmail.com</a></strong>), leave a VM at 406-587-6984, or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>

Upcoming Avalanche Education and Events

Our education calendar is full of awareness lectures and field courses. Check it out and plan to attend one or two: Events and Education Calendar.

COOKE CITY

Every Friday and Saturday, Snowpack Update and Rescue Training. Friday, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Soda Butte Lodge. Saturday anytime between 10-2 @ Round Lake.

BOZEMAN

Cracking wind slab on Skyline Ridge

Skyline Ridge
Southern Madison
Code
Latitude
44.92050
Longitude
-111.23000
Notes

From obs: "On Thursday my group skied a few lines off the Lee side of skyline. Generally, all stability observations but one were good except for 1. We were skinning cross slope along the top of the apron toward the bottom of a couloir on the north aspect of White Peak to recon the couloir for possible ascent and skiing. As we approached the opening of the couloir, a large collapse occurred on a firm wind slab and a crack shot out across the bottom of the couloir an unknown distance. (We deemed it unwise to further investigate given the slope angle was nearly 40 degrees. It was quite puzzling the slope did not slide upon collapse and we were not about to further poke that bear.)"

Number of slides
0
Number caught
0
Number buried
0
Images
Crack on Skyline Ridge
Slab Thickness units
centimeters
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Red Flag
Advisory Year
19-20

From obs: "On Thursday my group skied a few lines off the Lee side of skyline. Generally, all stability observations but one were good except for 1. We were skinning cross slope along the top of the apron toward the bottom of a couloir on the north aspect of White Peak to recon the couloir for possible ascent and skiing. As we approached the opening of the couloir, a large collapse occurred on a firm wind slab and a crack shot out across the bottom of the couloir an unknown distance. (We deemed it unwise to further investigate given the slope angle was nearly 40 degrees.

Avalanche Details: Cracking wind slab on Skyline Ridge
Southern Madison, 2020-03-07
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    • Many small wet loose slides

    Code
    WL-N-R1-D1
    Notes

    Numerous small wet loose avalanches on 3/6/2020. 

    S. Gallatins  - from email: "Five small wet slides across the big sky trail in Buffalo Horn this afternoon. The biggest was probably 120’ long and 50’ wide."  

    Bridgers  - "Saw some small avalanche activity. A few wet loose on east to south aspects... Wet loose activity I saw was D1 on Bridger peak from below high cliffs. 2x D1.5s in Argentina Bowl. and 2-3 other D1s near the Throne. Largest was on the Hollywood Wall in Frazier where I saw a debris pile of D2 size, but can’t tell if it was loose or slab."

    S. Madisons - "Slopes across from Bacon Rind. 8 or so natural D1 wet slides. Points releases to small wet slabs."

     

    Number caught
    0
    Number buried
    0
    Avalanche Type
    Wet loose-snow avalanche
    Trigger
    Natural trigger
    R size
    1
    D size
    1
    Images
    Wet slides in Gallatin Canyon
    Point releases near Bacon Rind 2
    Point releases near Bacon Rind 1
    Wet slide in Buffalo Horn 2
    Wet slide in Buffalo Horn 1
    Slab Thickness units
    centimeters
    Single / Multiple / Red Flag
    Multiple Avalanches
    Advisory Year
    19-20
    Subscribe to 19-20