Photos

Read the annual report here: http://www.mtavalanche.com/sites/default/files/2017%20AnnRep.pdf

This avalanche at Bridger Bowl was triggered today by skiers (4/15). Everyone was okay. New snow created unstable conditions. Instabilities should heal quickly, but deserve extra attention for a day or two. Bridger Bowl is closed and has a backcountry snowpack. There is no ski patrol services or avalanche reduction.

Natural avalanche observed on Monday (4/10) in northern Bridger Range. New snow and wind over the weekend created unstable dry slabs. This avalanche appears to be triggered by a cornice fall and is up to approx.3 feet deep. Similar slides can be triggered by a skier or rider, and are most likely during or immediately following storms. Photo: J. Schmitt

Natural avalanche observed on Monday (4/10) in northern Bridger Range. New snow and wind over the weekend created unstable dry slabs. This avalanche appears to be triggered by a cornice fall and is up to approx.3 feet deep. Similar slides can be triggered by a skier or rider, and are most likely during or immediately following storms. Photo: H. Haselton

This avalanche was in Hidden Gully at the top of the Apron at Bridger Bowl. New snow avalanches along with wind-loading and cornice falls are part of the dangers at Bridger Bowl since the ski area is closed and ski patrol is not doing control work. Although it may feel safe because the terrain is so familiar, backcountry avalanche conditions exist. Photo: B. Balkin

A fundraiser for the Friends of the Avalanche Center. $20 raffle tickets for sweet prizes; free BBQ on the mountain; raffle and party at Soda Butte Lodge 8 p.m.

Dry snow at upper elevations combined with strong winds has created perfect conditions for wind transport in the high Beartooths. This makes wind slabs the main avalanche concern in this area. Photo B. Campbell 

Skiers in the Tobacco Roots observed these small natural dry snow avalanches. These are good examples of what skiers and riders can expect to find when traveling in alpine terrain across the advisory area. Photo G. Antonioli 

In a 150cm deep snowpit I found the snow to be moist. It broke in an ECTP22 on wet grains near the ground. The snow structure is changing daily with the spring weather. Stability is not simple to assess unless it's well below freezing and "locked up". Photo: GNFAC

Photo: G. Antonioli

Photo: J. Sweeney

Looking down the path to the toe of an avalanche triggered by a group on Beehive Peak on Saturday (4/1) at about 11am. The crown was between 12" and 48" and propagated about 75 feet. It broke directly under the climbers' feet and they were able to step off of it. 

Looking up the path of an avalanche triggered by a group on Beehive Peak on Saturday (4/1) at about 11am. The crown was between 12" and 48" and propagated about 75 feet. It broke directly under the climbers' feet and they were able to step off of it. 

Fresh roller balls like this are a sign the snow surface is getting moist and losing strength. Photo: GNFAC

Warm temps and sun created unstable conditions on Saddle Peak. Wet loose avalancahes were being triggered by late morning. One wet loose was triggered near the ridge and ran over the cliffs. Photo GNFAC 

Crown of an avalanche triggered by a group on Beehive Peak on Saturday (4/1) at about 11am. The crown was between 12" and 48" and propagated about 75 feet. It broke directly under the climbers' feet and they were able to step off of it. 

A skier on Mt Blackmore remotely triggered this wind slab that a foot deep and 30' wide. It ran a long distance down the north face. This slide easily could have caught and carried the skier into hazardous terrain. Photo N Truax

The Bridger Bowl Ski Patrol triggered and observed natural wet loose avalanches in and around the ski area. These slides were the result of the new snow running on a firm ice crust. Photo BBSP

A skier on Mt Blackmore in the northern Gallatin Range observed multiple dry loose avalnaches in steep terrain. These slides were the result of nearly a foot of snow sliding a firm ice crust. Photo B. Vandenbos 

Skiers outside of Cooke City triggered this small loose snow avalanche. With more snow on the way, similar slides are possible in steep terrain. Photo J. Holzer