GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Fri Mar 28, 2014
Northern Madison Range
The mountains near Big Sky received 12 inches of snow yesterday containing 0.9 inches of SWE. Most of this snow fell during a 7 hour period. This area received 0.4 inches of SWE the previous day. Avalanches will be likely within the new snow especially on any wind loaded slope. The Big Sky Ski Patrol easily triggered shallow wind slabs yesterday with ski cuts.
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Thu Mar 27, 2014
Bridger Range Gallatin Range Madison Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
At least 7 avalanches were seen yesterday (3/26) on SW aspects in the Jones Creek area on the west side of the Bridger Range. All were several days old. Three of them stepped down into wet snow and created large debris piles. Photo: A. Whitmore
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Thu Mar 27, 2014
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Wed Mar 26, 2014
Bridger Range Gallatin Range Madison Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Tue Mar 25, 2014
Bridger Range Gallatin Range Madison Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
The circle shows my pit location on a south-facing slope. We did not ski this slope because my stability tests were inconclusive on a layer of depth hoar found one foot off the ground. I do not trust this layer and try to avoid areas where thin, rockier terrain underlies the snowpack, which this slope has. Photo: GNFAC
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Mon Mar 24, 2014
Bridger Range Gallatin Range Madison Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
Wind slabs and weak layers have become mostly dormant over the past week. It has now been eight days since the last reported human triggered avalanche. Does this mean the light is green on all slopes? No.
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Sun Mar 23, 2014
Bridger Range Gallatin Range Madison Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
It has now been six days since the last significant loading event. As the days tick by without new snow and wind, avalanches are becoming harder to trigger. Although the probability of triggering a slide is decreasing, it can't be entirely ruled out.
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Sat Mar 22, 2014
Bridger Range Gallatin Range Madison Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
Snow holds a lot of secrets. Sometimes these secrets are revealed easily and without much provocation. Other times, snow requires mindful and diligent practices in order to acquire helpful information. Without much new snow and wind, the snowpack is becoming tight lipped.
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Fri Mar 21, 2014
Bridger Range Gallatin Range Madison Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City