GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Sat Mar 2, 2013
Bridger Range Madison Range Gallatin Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
Stability is neither really good nor really bad. The reason for heightened avalanche conditions in some terrain is the presence of faceted layers in the upper 3 feet of the snowpack. Also, recent strong winds, especially in the Bridger Range, formed fresh wind slabs. Warm temperatures will help these wind slabs stabilize and make them more difficult to trigger.
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Sat Mar 2, 2013
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Fri Mar 1, 2013
Bridger Range Madison Range Gallatin Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
The combination of some new snow and steady winds means fresh wind slabs near ridgetops can be triggered today. Local ski patrols easily ski cut soft wind slabs yesterday. Fortunately this avalanche problem should be predictable. It is also easy to see and avoid.
This recent natural avalanche (mabye cornice triggered?) was observed on Thursday (2-28) near Hardscrabble Peak in the Bridger Range. In this type of terrain, it is much easier to impact faceted layers near rocks. Photo: I. Hoyer
This natural avalanche on Mt Wheeler in the northern Gallatin Range occurred in very dense timber on a northeast facing slope. The crown is 2-3 feet deep and nearly 500 feet wide. Weak facets 40 cm's off the ground failed after being stressed by recent snow and wind. This is an isolated event, but a good reminder of what's possible in areas with a weak and shallow snowpack. Photo GNFAC
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Thu Feb 28, 2013
Bridger Range Madison Range Gallatin Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Wed Feb 27, 2013
Bridger Range Madison Range Gallatin Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City