Cooke City

Just an initial look at low elevation snow around some of the ice climbs.

8" of new snow at the Grotto Falls TH. 
 

I couldn't find any surface hoar that was buried by last night's snow, but I'm sure it's out there. Doesn't really matter because there's plenty of weak, faceted snow that was the previous snow surface.

The new snow is all fluff and not a concern at lower elevations in Hyalite. Perhaps it could be enough of a load and enough of a cohesive slab at higher elevations where more snow fell. 

For now, things seem mostly stable, but that will change quickly with any amount of wind. 

We skied around Scotch Bonnet and Sheep Mtn., north of Cooke City today.

No collapsing nor cracking, nor any avalanche activity observed.

Snow profile attached from a SE aspect at 10,000' on Scotch Bonnet.  HS65, ECTP22 @25.

Surface hoar (4-8mm), observed on most slopes, except on steep solar slopes and especially windy locations.

Snowpit from yesterday attached.   West aspect 9700'.  HS70, ECTP15 @ 23.

Some collapsing in the valley bottom, and also near the ridgeline- on both easterly and westerly aspects.  

Minimal wind effect.  Surface hoar to 10,000'.