Southern Gallatin

Just wanted to report that I found very thin snow on west aspects in Specimen Creek, with unstable test results today.

Had an ECTP 13 down about 20 cm on the new/old snow layer from last weekend. Couple whoomphs, and observed some stiff WS formation on ridge lines. HS of 90cm and absolute junk on the bottom.

Great skiing on non-avalanche terrain, however.
 

Surface hoar can often be seen as a grey stripe on the wall of your snowpit as was the case at Bacon Rind in the Southern Madison Range on 1/23. Photo: GNFAC

On a Jan. 16 tour into Beehive, we found the concerning layer of feathery surface hoar buried under 6" of snow. It is widespread from Big Sky through West Yellowstone and Cooke City. It has produced avalanches near Hebgen Lake, with more snow, it will likely produce avalanches in Beehive too. Photo: GNFAC

Darren Johnson was a passionate skier, patroller, and wildland firefighter and this fund helps his memory live on. During the week of January 16, 2023, there are two events happening to help spread awareness about the DJ Fund and generate donations for the next recipients to attend National Avalanche School in October 2024. The first event is at the Independent Theatre on Tuesday, January 17.