Good morning. This is Mark Staples with the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Advisory issued on Thursday, April 9, at 7:30 a.m. The Yellowstone Club Community Foundation in partnership with the Friends of the Avalanche Center sponsors today’s advisory. This advisory does not apply to operating ski areas.
This morning mountain temperatures were in the upper teens and low 20s F with winds blowing 2-8 mph from the S and E. Today will be mostly sunny with some clouds this afternoon. Temperatures will climb into the mid to high 30s F and winds will remain calm. A few snowflakes or raindrops may fall today mainly near West Yellowstone but no accumulation is expected until this weekend.
Bridger Range Gallatin Range Madison Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
Since Saturday and early this week, nearly a foot of snow (photo) fell in many places with gusty west winds. On Monday and Tuesday near Cooke City skiers saw one recent natural avalanche (photo) and triggered a slide in a steep gully (photo). Another skier experienced shooting cracks on an east facing slope near 10,500 feet. Skiers in the southern Madison Range and the Big Sky Ski Patrol noted an improving bond between the new snow and the hard icy surface underneath it.
Today the new snow should be well bonded and calm winds will not be transporting any more snow. Wind slabs remain the main concern, but they are trending towards stability with each passing day. Watch for small wind slabs in isolated areas, but overall avalanche conditions are generally safe and the avalanche danger is LOW.
I will issue the next advisory tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m. If you have any snowpack or avalanche observations drop us a line at mtavalanche@gmail.com or call us at 587-6984.
The last advisory of the season will be on Sunday, so if history is any guide expect an epic dump on Monday.