Northern Madison

The Yellowstone Club Ski Patrol noted multiple large avalanches on different bowls and aspects of Cedar Mountain at approximately 9400 feet elevation. Photo: YCSP

The Yellowstone Club Ski Patrol noted multiple large avalanches on different bowls and aspects of Cedar Mountain at approximately 9400 feet elevation. Photo: YCSP

Multiple large avalanches on different bowls and different aspects of Cedar. Photos taken from Yellowstone Club by YC Ski Patrol. NE and E aspects. Both approximately 9400 feet elevation. Shaded photo is N aspect, photo with sun and shade is NE.

Today, we rode up to Buck Ridge and into the First and Second Yellow Mules. It snowed lightly and winds blew predominantly from the North. Visibility was virtually non-existent all day. No signs of recent avalanches were seen beyond one that was reported to us on 12/30 in the First Yellow Mule (Observation). No cracking or collapsing was noted. 

We dug snowpits in both the First and Second Yellow Mules. They both showed layers of new and decomposing snow on top of weaker layers near the base. In the First Yellow Mule, our pit location was notably shallower and had well developed facets and depth hoar at the base. 

Winds were actively redistributing snow all day. The snowpack continues to be tested by the weight of new snow over the last week, and now by stronger winds. Weak layers exist at the foundation of the snow. Keeping all that in mind, we chose to stay off of slopes steeper than 30 degrees. And thankfully, with daily snowfall this week, there is great coverage and a lot of fun to be had riding low-angle powder.