Northern Madison
A small loose-wet avalanche on a S facing aspect on Eglise Rock was observed that likely broke in the last day or two. Photo: GNFAC 12/4/2024
Small Wet Loose on Eglise Rock
Buck Ridge
Northern Madison
Code
WL-N-R1-D1-I
Elevation
9300
Aspect
S
Latitude
45.19600
Longitude
-111.43600
Notes
On 12/4, from the junction of Buck Ridge and Third Yellow Mule, we observed one small loose-wet avalanche (R1 D1) on a S facing aspect on Eglise Rock that likely broke in the last day or two of hot temperatures.
Number caught
0
Number buried
0
Avalanche Type
Wet loose-snow avalanche
Trigger
Natural trigger
R size
1
D size
1
Bed Surface
I - Interface between new and old snow
Problem Type
Loose Wet
Vertical Fall
100ft
Slab Width
15.00ft
Images
Snow Observation Source
Slab Thickness units
centimeters
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Single Avalanche
Advisory Year
Getting Weaker on Buck Ridge
Date
Activity
Snowmobiling
Today, Ian and I rode Buck Ridge. The trail in and out was in decent shape with a few wind-stripped bare spots but mostly continuous coverage. We got eyes on First, Second and Third Yellow Mules as well as into McAtee Basin. Small, glittering surface hoar covered most aspects. At the head of Second Yellow Mule, we dug a pit on a NE aspect at 9400 ft and found a snowpack with weak layers throughout: surface hoar and near-surface faceting at the top and faceted snow near the ground. We got an ECTPX as we just didn't have the load on top of these weak layers to cause slab formation or propagation.
In general, we did not see any notable dry-snow avalanche activity or signs of instability. Despite sunny skies, the snow surfaces we rode on stayed dry. One small loose-wet avalanche on a S facing aspect on Eglise Rock was observed that likely broke in the last day or two. We also noted a few reported wind slabs that broke last week.
Our main hazards today were the early-season coverage and buried obstacles.
Region
Northern Madison
Location (from list)
Buck Ridge
Observer Name
H. Darby
Wet loose slides at Big Sky
Big Sky Resort
Northern Madison
Code
WL
Aspect
S
Latitude
45.27600
Longitude
-111.43600
Notes
From BSSP "On steep solar aspects, the surface snow became unstable and low-volume slides ran.
Point releases would entrain the top 3-4”, running on firmer layers below."
Number caught
0
Number buried
0
Avalanche Type
Wet loose-snow avalanche
Problem Type
Loose Wet
Slab Thickness units
centimeters
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Multiple Avalanches
Advisory Year
Small Wind Slab Avalanches off Buck Ridge
Buck Ridge
Northern Madison
Code
HS-NC-R1-D1-I
Elevation
9480
Aspect
E
Latitude
45.17190
Longitude
-111.37400
Notes
"The head of Beaver Creek was scoured nearly to dirt and the cornice is quite large there already. We noted one small wind slab avalanche just below it. We found a similar avalanche in Second Yellowmule that again appeared to be from wind loading. Both appeared to be several days old. We dug a quick pit on a north facing slope in Second Yellowmule and had an ECTN in 85cm of snow. Only the bottom 5cm or so of that pit were sugary and faceted. "
Number caught
0
Number buried
0
Avalanche Type
Hard slab avalanche
Trigger
Cornice fall
R size
1
D size
1
Bed Surface
I - Interface between new and old snow
Problem Type
Wind-Drifted Snow
Slab Thickness
6.0 inches
Vertical Fall
100ft
Slab Width
50.00ft
Images
Snow Observation Source
Slab Thickness units
inches
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Multiple Avalanches
Advisory Year
The head of Beaver Creek was scoured nearly to dirt and the cornice is quite large there already. We noted one small wind slab avalanche just below it. We found a similar avalanche in Second Yellowmule that again appeared to be from wind loading. Both appeared to be several days old. Photo: USFS Bozeman Snow Rangers
Avalanche Details: Small Wind Slab Avalanches off Buck Ridge
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Tue Dec 3, 2024
Northern Madison, 2024-12-02
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Tue Dec 3, 2024