Lionhead Range

This avalanche likely occurred in the last couple days. It was on a NE facing slope and is indicative of a weak and unstable snowpack. Photo: GNFAC

An avalanche on Ski Hill likely ran during the avalanche Warning last week (1/10/24). Photo GNFAC

Rode up Denny Creek and out along Lionhead Ridge through Watkins Creek to the divide with Targhee Creek. Saw evidence of numerous older avalanches along the ridgeline and in lower steep meadows that likely broke last week (1/10-1/11). The crowns of these slides were blown in, but would estimate they generally broke 1-2 ft deep. Some broke quite wide ~1000 ft. Saw a couple smaller slides that looked to be a bit fresher as well. 

Got a number of collapses and shooting cracks as we rode today, shooting out 20+ ft. 

Stopped and dug a pit at the crown of an avalanche that broke on the north end of ski hill (likely during last weeks warning). Broke ~1 ft deep, 50 ft wide and ran 100 vertical. Another similar slide broke at the same time on the south end of ski hill. Today, we got an ECTP12 on the surface hoar about a foot deep.

The snowpack remains unstable and human triggered avalanches (including remote triggers from a distance) remain likely. Expect the danger to rise as it snows over the next couple days. 

From FB Messenger: "Major fractures and shooting cracks across whole hillsides today. Dry Fork. Targhee Pass."

While riding today on Lionhead we saw several natural releases on steeper terrain Mainly on Targhee Peak. On all aspects of slopes we experienced large cracks and collapses that would extended 75 plus yards ahead of our sled. We did not venture into steeper slopes but it sure felt like they would slide easily if we did!