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GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Tue Mar 26, 2013

Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion

Wet Snow Avalanche Danger

A bit of sunshine and temperatures rising well above freezing will create loose, wet snow avalanches today. Point release slides from cliffs, rock out-croppings or steep, sunny slopes, have the potential to knock a skier down and drag them into terrain traps. Pinwheels of snow, growing as they roll downhill, is a sign that surface snow is wet enough to slide. The wet snow avalanche danger will rise to MODERATE this afternoon.

A cornice collapse triggered a steep slope in Frazier Basin in the Bridger Range.  It occurred Saturday (23rd) night. After a winter of growth cornices are huge and ripe for fracturing, especially as temperatures rise above freezing. Photo: J. Kruger

Bridger Range, 2013-03-25

This natural slide occurred just north of Ross Peak in the Bridger Range. It was seen on Friday morning (22nd). The wide propagating indicates an obvious weak layer. The most unusual part about this avalanche is the slope does not appear to be wind loaded.  Photo GNFAC

Bridger Range, 2013-03-24

GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Sun Mar 24, 2013

Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion

Bridger Range   Madison Range   Gallatin Range   

Lionhead area near West Yellowstone   Cooke City

The combination of sun, snow and good stability is making for great skiing and riding conditions. Yesterday, my partner and I toured into Frazier Basin the in the northern Bridger Range and observed tracks in steep avalanche terrain (photo). When conditions are stable, there is nothing wrong with pushing it on steep slopes.