Northern Madison

Toured around Beehive and Middle Basins this morning, finding predictably bulletproof snow on most aspects but decent turns aided by the 2-4 inches of snow from last night on northerly terrain that hadn’t been destroyed by the sun this week. There were a few brief moments of direct sun throughout the morning, which almost instantaneously triggered point releases from steeper rocky terrain. On the way back through Beehive we observed some much larger debris piles that weren’t there this morning from the steel rocky face between the Going Home chute and the prayer flags. 

In Gallatin Canyon we saw some wet slides in the chutes/gullies south of Lava Lake. Photo: USFS Snow Rangers

Understanding Avalanche Safety Preparedness – 5-Minute Survey for Motorized Users

We need your input! Eastern Oregon University is conducting a survey to better understand avalanche safety preparedness among motorized backcountry users like you. Your feedback will help us learn more about who is purchasing and practicing with avalanche rescue gear (beacon, probe, shovel) and participating in avalanche education—and why some riders aren’t.  The survey is confidential and anonymous.  

We rode around the far end of Buck Ridge today (Bear Creek, McAtee, 2nd Yellow Mule) and found very warm temperatures and increasingly spring-like snow.  Almost everywhere at upper elevations there was a thin melt-freeze glaze on the snow (except in deeper shade and lee areas where the weekends wind pushed snow).  Below the surface 4-6" the snow was still fairly dry too.  We could see a few point releases from yesterday's warmth in steeper and rockier areas but otherwise no avalanche activity up high.  The riding ended up being surprisingly good still and the bottom 3 miles of Doe Creek Rd are snow/slush/ice covered for now.  That will not last much longer.  

On the drive home in Gallatin Canyon, however, we did see some wet slides in the chutes/gullies south of Lava Lake (photo attached).