Northern Madison

Our group conducted an East facing snow pit on the top of the East Beehive Ridge at around 9100’, at 1 pm. Sky was OVC, wind from W at 5 mph. Snow pit was on a 15° slope.  The total snow depth was 135 cm. Our results were an ECTN 22 at 35 cm down, a PST 34/100 End and 85 cm down, and a DT 21 PC at 100 cm down. No observed wind slabs on ridge south of Prayer Flag Trees. No signs of wet loose such as rollerballs at 4 pm. 

Saw 2 small avalanches running down the upper A-Zs when I was standing at the top of the Gullies at 10:44am. No ski patrollers in sight. I got a video of them moving but didn’t catch the start. Sun was directly hitting the ridge at the time. 

On a small test slope near Muddy Creek we intentionally triggered several small avalanches in wind-loaded terrain by knocking chunks of cornice off. Photo: GNFAC

While riding we saw cracking forming near our sleds in fresh drifts: Photo: GNFAC

Strong wind transporting snow at ridge tops. Photo: GNFAC