Regional Conditions for Lionhead Range

View Weather and Avalanche Log
24 Hour Snowfall and Wind
as of 5:00 am
Nov 290″ | NA
Nov 28 0″ | NA
Nov 27 0″ | NA
Lionhead Weather Station
8775′     3/27 at 10:00
17 ℉
SE - 4 mph
Gusts 7 mph
Madison Plateau SNOTEL
7750′   11/29 at 23:00
6℉
20″ Depth
Bottom Line: The main avalanche concern is fresh drifts of snow. Be cautious of slopes where yesterday’s snow was drifted into thick, dense slabs. The best strategy is to avoid steep wind loaded slopes for a day or two, and then carefully assess them after that. Keep in mind, the most dangerous slopes are where these slabs formed over weak, sugary snow. These slabs on top of sugar will be unstable for longer and can be less predictable, large and very dangerous. Avoid steep slopes where you find soft, sugary snow under a cohesive, supportable slab.

The Daily Avalanche Conversation Video

Primary Problem: Wind-Drifted Snow

Past 5 Days

Fri Nov 13

None
Sat Nov 14

None
Thu Nov 19

None
Thu Nov 26

None
Fri Nov 27

None

Avalanche Activity- Lionhead Range

Photos- Lionhead Range

Displaying 1 - 7
  • Surface Hoar Layer Lionhead

    We found a thick layer of surface hoar (1-2cm) on top of the snowpack at Lionhead Ridge on 11/24/20. Below that layer the snowpack was faceted and weak. This will be an unstable foundation for future storms. Photo: GNFAC

  • Backcountry Barriers Contest Winner

    Watch the video HERE!

  • Wind cloud over Bridger Range

    The BBWC (Bridger Bowl Wind Cloud) on Tuesday 10/27 accompanied 50-60 mph gusts. This strong wind drifted recent snow into slabs that could avalanche on steep slopes. Early season snow means we need to be thinking about and managing avalanche hazard when we travel in the mountains. Photo: GNFAC

  • Social Media Survey

    Backcountry.com did a social media survey and found that many of us could use an avalanche class. Don't hesitate to sign up for one. Even a one-hour avalanche awareness class is a great place to start. Check out our Education Calendar for an expanding list of classes being offered in southwest Montana. Many are free.

  • Snow and wind in Bridgers

    Wind was blowing and drifting recent snow in the Bridger Range the morning of October 15th. Photo: B. VandenBos

  • October snowfall on Lone Mtn.

    Snow on Lone Mtn. on the morning of October 14th. Photo: B. VandenBos

  • Snowfall in the mountains

    By morning of October 11 most mountain ranges were white at the higher elevations. This picture of Saddle Peak was taken from Stone Creek up Bridger Canyon. About .6-.8" of precipitation fell throughout southwest Montana. The Fisher Creek Snotel outside of Cooke City shows 6" of snow fell at 9,100 feet. Only time will tell what melts and what sticks around, but it sure is a good sign! Photo: GNFAC

Videos- Lionhead Range

Snowpit Profiles- Lionhead Range

Displaying 1 - 1

Weather Stations- Lionhead Range

Big Sky

WebCams

Weather Forecast Lionhead Range

Full Forecast, NOAA website
Extended Forecast for

10 Miles WNW West Yellowstone MT

  • Overnight

    Overnight: Mostly clear, with a low around 5. Wind chill values as low as -5. South southwest wind around 9 mph.

    Mostly Clear

    Low: 5 °F

  • Monday

    Monday: A 30 percent chance of snow after 4pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 23. Wind chill values as low as -10. South southwest wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

    Sunny then
    Chance Snow

    High: 23 °F

  • Monday
    Night

    Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of snow, mainly after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 8. Wind chill values as low as -5. West northwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

    Chance Snow

    Low: 8 °F

  • Tuesday

    Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly between 10am and 11am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 18. Wind chill values as low as -5. Northwest wind around 11 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

    Chance Snow
    then Mostly
    Sunny

    High: 18 °F

  • Tuesday
    Night

    Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 2. North wind around 10 mph.

    Mostly Clear

    Low: 2 °F

  • Wednesday

    Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 20. North wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

    Sunny

    High: 20 °F

  • Wednesday
    Night

    Wednesday Night: Clear, with a low around 3. North northwest wind around 10 mph becoming east northeast after midnight.

    Clear

    Low: 3 °F

  • Thursday

    Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 22. East northeast wind around 8 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

    Sunny

    High: 22 °F

  • Thursday
    Night

    Thursday Night: Clear, with a low around 8.

    Clear

    Low: 8 °F

The Last Word

The Friends of the Avalanche Center are encouraging everyone to take an avalanche class. Look at our Education Page for all the classes being offered in sw Montana. They are working hard to break down Backcountry Barriers and made this awesome 6 min video about it.