GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Tue Mar 26, 2013
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.
This small slide was seen yesterday (Mon, 25th) near Goose Lake. It's an easterly aspect at 10,500' and estimated to be 1-3' deep and 50' wide. Avalanches like this can still be triggered in a few areas around Cooke City. Photo: B. Fredlund
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
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Mon Mar 25, 2013
Bridger Range Madison Range Gallatin Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
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
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Mon Mar 25, 2013
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Sun Mar 24, 2013
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.
This natural avalanche occurred outside of Cooke City. This photo is a great example of the main avalanche problem throughout the forecast area. Photo Beau Fredlund
Skiers and boarders were hitting it hard in Frazier Basing in the northern Bridger Range. When conditions are stable there is nothing wrong with riding in steep avalanche terrain. Photo GNFAC
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Sun Mar 24, 2013