Mt Wheeler Avalanche

Mt Wheeler Avalanche

This natural avalanche on Mt Wheeler in the northern Gallatin Range occurred in very dense timber on a northeast facing slope.  The crown is 2-3 feet deep and nearly 500 feet wide.  Weak facets 40 cm's off the ground failed after being stressed by recent snow and wind.  This is an isolated event, but a good reminder of what's possible in areas with a weak and shallow snowpack.  Photo GNFAC 

Northern Gallatin, 2013-02-28