Good morning. This is Eric Knoff with the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Advisory issued on Monday, April 4, at 7:00 AM. Today’s advisory is sponsored by Grizzly Outfitters in partnership with the Friends of the Avalanche Center. This advisory does not apply to operating ski areas.
Overnight temperatures dropped to the mid to low 30s F under mostly clear skies and winds are blowing 5-15 mph out of the W-SW. Today, skies will start out clear and temps will quickly warm into the upper 30s to low 40s F. Winds will increase through the day blowing 15-30 mph as a storm approaches from the west. By this afternoon skies will become mostly cloudy and there is a slight chance for a mountain rain or snow shower. Precipitation increases overnight and the mountains should see 1-2 inches of snow by tomorrow morning.
Bridger Range Madison Range Gallatin Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
Temperatures at or below freezing combined with clear skies overnight will allow the snow surface to be firm this morning. This will eliminate wet snow activity during the early morning hours. However, the presence of morning sun along with rapidly warming temps will soften the snow surface quickly.
As the surface crust breaks down wet snow avalanches will become more likely, primarily on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. If the snow surface begins to resemble mash potatoes or if signs of instability such as roller balls or small point releases are observed, it’s time to avoid avalanche terrain or pack it in for the day. Fortunately, increasing clouds and wind this afternoon should prevent the snowpack from becoming completely unglued. Today, an early start and finish is advised if you head into the backcountry.
It’s also worth noting that cornices are becoming increasingly unstable with the warmer temps. It’s a good idea to avoid these large overhanging chunks of snow both along the ridgelines and on the slopes below.
Today, the wet snow avalanche danger will start out LOW this morning but rise to CONSIDERABLE by this afternoon.
Doug will issue the next advisory tomorrow morning by 7:30 a.m. If you have any snowpack or avalanche observations to share, drop us a line at mtavalanche@gmail.com or leave a message at 587-6984.
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