This is Eric Knoff with early season snowpack information issued Monday, November 10. Today’s information is sponsored by the Friends of the Avalanche Center. This information will be updated as conditions change.
Over the past 24 hours accumulating snowfall and plummeting temperatures have impacted the entire forecast area. In most mountain locations temperatures are in the single digits and have dropped roughly thirty degrees F since yesterday afternoon. Snowfall amounts between 6-8 inches have been recorded in the Bridger Range, Carrot Basin (southern Madison Range) and mountains around Cooke City. The rest of the advisory area picked up around 1-3 inches. Fortunately, winds are relatively light, blowing 5-10 mph out of the WNW. Today, light snow will continue with an additional 1-2 inches possible and temperatures will warm into the double digits. Snow will taper off this evening and temperatures will again drop to the single digits above or below zero.
For those willing to brave the cold in search of turns, there are a few avalanche concerns that should to be addressed. First – everyone carries functional rescue gear when heading into the backcountry. This means avalanche transceivers have fresh batteries and that shovels and probes are in good working order (video). Second – only one person at a time is exposed on steep slopes. This means one person sets the boot pack or skin track while the rest of the group watches from a safe location. This rule also applies when or riding in steep terrain (never ride two at a time). Third – always watch your partner(s) from a safe location. It is not uncommon for secondary party members (those who didn’t trigger the slide) to get caught and sometimes injured in the avalanche.
Although this is the first real winter storm of the season, there is unquestionably enough snow to produce avalanches. Areas to watch out for will be wind loaded slopes, which likely exist in upper elevation terrain near the ridgelines. The problem with this scenario is – these are the slopes that will hold enough snow to ski or ride. While avalanches will stay confine to the recent storm snow, they could carry a rider(s) into rocks, trees or terrain traps. During early season conditions such as these, trauma is often associated avalanche accidents.
The bottom line is – Be careful out there! While avalanches are certainly a concern, rocks and stumps are just as likely to ruin your season. While it’s hard to hold back the excitement of fresh snow, it’s important to remember that no run is worth getting injured or killed over.
We will update is information as conditions change.
Also, to get ready for the coming season, consider attending an upcoming avalanche class. We’re adding new classes daily, so check our Education Calendar.