19-20

<p>Yesterday’s storm favored the mountains near West Yellowstone and Cooke City with 12-14” of new snow equal to 1.2-1.6” of <u><a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/or/snow/?cid=nrcs142p2… water equivalent</a></u> (SWE). The mountains near Big Sky got 9” equal to 0.9” SWE. In Hyalite and the Bridger Range a cold east wind limited snowfall to 4” (0.4” SWE). Yesterday near Cooke City skiers reported widespread natural slab avalanches breaking 6-12” deep within the storm snow (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/20/new-snow-slabs-avalanches-near-co…;, <strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/22427">details</a></strong&gt;), and a snowmobiler triggered a slide a foot deep and a hundred feet wide (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/22425">details</a></strong&gt;). Doug skied in Beehive Basin and saw minimal wind loading and the new snow was bonding well (<strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVd85tHEySQ&amp;list=PLXu5151nmAvSbcbVf…;, <strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/20/snowpit-beehive">photo</a></stron…;). Today the stability of the recent snow will be subject to change due to possible intense sunshine and near freezing temperatures. Where the snow surface gets wet loose snow and slab avalanches will become easy to trigger and could run long distances.</p>

<p>Anticipate decreasing stability on slopes that receive direct sun. Plan to be off of and out from underneath steep sun-exposed slopes before you see signs of instability like roller balls or natural loose snow avalanches. Ride on slopes that are sheltered from the sun and have a dry snow surface. Before riding steep slopes carefully assess the stability of the new snow by doing a stability test or watch for cracking of the snow surface or slides on small test slopes.</p>

<p>Wind is light and fresh drifts are not widespread, but remain cautious of slopes where slabs formed from east and southwest wind yesterday. Cornices get closer to breaking each day with weight from new snow or decreased strength from warmth and sunshine (<u><strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/20/huge-cornices-cooke-city">photo</…;). Stay far back from the edge of ridgelines and avoid slopes directly below large cornices.</p>

<p>Today recent snow makes avalanches possible and avalanche danger is MODERATE. Although many places are becoming deserted, the backcountry stays full of skiers and riders. Be on the lookout for each other. Stay diligent with snowpack and terrain assessment, and take precautions for avalanches like you did all winter. Ride Safe.</p>

<p>If you get out, please send us your observations no matter how brief. You can fill out an <u><a href="https://mtavalanche.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6653a830e4819c9e…; target="_blank">observation form</a></u>, email us (<u><a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com&quot; target="_blank">mtavalanche@gmail.com</a></u>), leave a VM at 406-587-6984, or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>