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GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Wed Mar 6, 2013

Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion

Bridger Range   Madison Range   Gallatin Range  

Lionhead area near West Yellowstone   Cooke City

The past two days of no snow and light wind are helping the snowpack strengthen and stabilize.  Although weak layers can form at the surface within hours, once buried they can take weeks or even months to gain strength. Today, we have three problems to look for which are all found in the top three feet of the snowpack.

A skier triggered this slide in steep terrain near Cooke City.  Fortunately nobody was caught.  New snow and strong winds created wind slabs that grew in size and distribution as the day progressed.

Photo Beau Fredlund 


Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Mon Mar 4, 2013GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Tue Mar 5, 2013GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Wed Mar 6, 2013
Cooke City, 2013-03-03
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    • This human triggered slide occured near History Rock in the northern Gallatin Range.  Two people were caught, but nobody was injured.  This specific area is not the main ski slope and is not traveled frequently by skiers.  The slope angle was close to 40 degrees and the party had three separate "whumphs" on the traverse to this slope.  Collapses are a red flag that the snow is very unstable and avalanche terrain should be avoided.  All of us at the GNFAC thank them for relaying this story and picture. Photo JM     


    Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Mon Mar 4, 2013GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Tue Mar 5, 2013
    Northern Gallatin, 2013-03-03
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