Northern Madison

From IG 1/3: “Buck ridge today. NE aspect. Probably 100’ wide and at least 3’ deep. Looked like it was triggered by a snowmobiler earlier in the day.” Photo: P Rockwell

Northern Madison, 2025-01-04

Rider triggered Avalanche at Buck Ridge

Date
Activity
Snowmobiling

From IG 1/3: “Buck ridge today. NE aspect. Probably 100’ wide and at least 3’ deep. Looked like it was triggered by a snowmobiler earlier in the day.”

Region
Northern Madison
Location (from list)
Buck Ridge
Observer Name
P. Rockwell

Recent human triggered slide Buck Ridge

Buck Ridge
Northern Madison
Code
SS-R1-D1-O
Elevation
9300
Aspect
NE
Latitude
45.16750
Longitude
-111.36100
Notes

Wasn't surprised to see this fresh human triggered slide in Beaver Creek when just around the corner was a previous one in 1st Yellowmule

Number of slides
1
Number caught
0
Number buried
0
Avalanche Type
Soft slab avalanche
R size
1
D size
1
Bed Surface
O - Old snow
Problem Type
Persistent Slab
Vertical Fall
50ft
Slab Width
150.00ft
Snow Observation Source
Slab Thickness units
centimeters
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Single Avalanche
Advisory Year

Natural Avalanche on 1st Yellowmule

Buck Ridge
Northern Madison
Code
SS-N-R1-D1.5
Aspect Range
N-NE
Latitude
45.17200
Longitude
-111.38500
Notes

The wind had definitely been moving things around, signs of decent loading and some avy activity today, kind of where I thought we’d find some action. See attached photos. Noticed a small 8-10” wind slab pocket on the way in, looked like storm load but could have been sled triggered from the top. Found a bigger pocket that had pulled out on steeper terrain in the 1st Yellow Mule no tracks around since we were the first in there. Both were N to NE facing which we had flagged for ourselves due to the wind direction during a post storm. We were suspect of the east side of the compass from north to south. 

Number of slides
2
Number caught
0
Number buried
0
Avalanche Type
Soft slab avalanche
Trigger
Natural trigger
R size
1
D size
1.5
Problem Type
Persistent Weak Layer
Slab Thickness
30.0 inches
Vertical Fall
100ft
Slab Width
75.00ft
Snow Observation Source
Slab Thickness units
inches
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Multiple Avalanches
Advisory Year