Southern Madison

We saw a large avalanche (SS-R3-D2-O) that broke on a north facing aspect, around 2' deep, on weak snow near the ground. Photo: GNFAC

We saw a large avalanche (SS-R3-D2-O) that broke on a north facing aspect, around 2' deep, on weak snow near the ground. Photo: GNFAC

Travel conditions have improved significantly since the last time we were at Bacon Rind, unfortunately, avalanche conditions have not. Similar to what Dave and Alex saw yesterday in Lionhead, the snowpack on Bacon Rind is shallow and has well-developed persistent weak layers near the bottom of the snowpack.

While ascending the burn, we triggered so many thunderous collapses that we quickly lost count. These collapses shook snow off the trees around us and visibly dropped the snow surface beneath our feet. Near the top of the ridge, we saw a large avalanche (SS-N-R3-D2-O) that broke on a north facing aspect, around 2' deep, on weak snow near the ground. It was not clear whether it was one large avalanche or two that released sympathetically with one another. If one slide, this avalanche broke nearly 900' wide and slid around 1000' vertical. It broke during the most recent period of intense loading in this area, likely January 5th or 6th. 

When we reached the top of the Skillet and dug a snowpit, we noticed that the upper portion of the path had cracked and shifted in numerous places but had not avalanched. Our snowpit on an east aspect showed a 2' dense slab on top of sugary facets and depth hoar. Our test result was ECTP 13. We also dug a pit on a south facing aspect and noted shallower snow that was slightly stronger than the other aspects we had seen thus far (north and east). 

Given all these clear signs of instability, it was an easy decision to stick to terrain less than 30 degrees, including runout zones. 

S-1 snowfall most of the day, with calm winds. Skies began overcast and cleared throughout the day. 

Widespread whumphing around Specimen Creek today (1/10). All aspects, all elevations.

Quick pits/probing summary:

HS average ~80cm on W-E slopes, dramatically less on southerlies.

Bottom 15-20cm F, facets

Upper ~60cm 1F-F

Due southerly slopes had a pronounced crust, but disappeared rapidly with subtle aspect change

Wx summary

Light to moderate wind through most of the day, generally WSW

Very light snowfall beginning around noon

One possible crown observed, but super hard to be sure through the clouds and snow. Would estimate an ESE slope, ~8000', D1.5

Ski quality was excellent. Still lots of rocks and deadfall scattered about to ski lightly though.

Hello! Wanted to let you know that the Beacon checking station at the trailhead for Beehive hasn’t been working the past week or more. Doesn’t go green when you pass it. You may already be aware but I thought I’d mention it.
Thanks for what you do!!!