Bridger Range

As my elevation increased, so did the wind. Heavy gusts were moving snow. Clouds were visible and moving fast above Bridger Bowl and Ross peak. Ross Pass was visibly wind scoured. 
 

I didn’t observe any natural avalanches in the steep terrain along the ridge between ski area northern boundary and Ross peak, but did notice some ski tracks (I believe in the “Trident, Dog Leg chute”). 

Observed one avalanche in the steep chutes just outside the N Bridger Bowl boundary, SS-R2-D1-AS

HS between 150 and 200 cm. 90-120 cm of storm snow over firm mid Dec layers over facets. 15cm from the last few days. Some wind transport at mid elevations with lots of W wind up at ridgetop throughout the day. Much windier than expected in Bradley Meadow with moderate winds swirling from N and W. Sky was BKN and, no new snow. Temps around 10F.

A skier intentionally triggered an avalanche in Argentina bowl below south Saddle Peak. The avalanche broke 2 feet deep and ran 1000–2000 vertical feet piling debris 20 feet deep in the run out zone and breaking trees. Photo: anonymous

A skier intentionally triggered an avalanche in Argentina bowl below south Saddle Peak. The avalanche broke 2 feet deep and ran 1000–2000 vertical feet piling debris 20 feet deep in the run out zone and breaking trees. Photo: anonymous

A skier intentionally triggered an avalanche in Argentina bowl below south Saddle Peak. The avalanche broke 2 feet deep and ran 1000–2000 vertical feet piling debris 20 feet deep in the run out zone and breaking trees. Photo: anonymous

A skier intentionally triggered an avalanche in Argentina bowl below south Saddle Peak. The avalanche broke 2 feet deep and ran 1000–2000 vertical feet piling debris 20 feet deep in the run out zone and breaking trees. Photo: anonymous

From IG Messages: “as expected, broke a slide out while ski cutting saddle today. Here’s the report. 

After summiting south saddle peak, we noticed wind loaded snow on top of an old avalanche crown (maybe 4-5 days old - 2’ deep). We made the decision to ski cut high, hoping to break out the new wind drifted snow. We were the first ones out there today with just a party of two still on north summit. No one below us. I was able to get several small pockets to pop before a larger pocket broke, triggering a sympathetic slab down lower in Argentina bowl. Both slides ran 1000-2000’ into the flats down low (crossing the standard traverse). Debris piled up 20’ deep and broke trees up to 6” in diameter. Slow start, but picked up lots of steam. We skied lower and found good snow below the ridge where there was less wind effect.”