20-21

Natural wet loose slides in Absarokas

Livingston
Out of Advisory Area
Code
WL-N-R2-D2
Elevation
9000
Aspect Range
NW, W, S
Latitude
45.42600
Longitude
-110.49500
Notes

From obs 4/28/21: "Observed numerous natural wet loose slides probably occurring over the past 48 hours on NW-W-S aspects mid-elevation. Point releases from rock bands and couloirs shedding. Photo for example, which shows W facing bowl with slides visible from US-89 in Paradise Valley. These are between 8500’ and 9500’ on an unnamed peak just northeast of Dexter Point."

Number of slides
1
Number caught
0
Number buried
0
Avalanche Type
Wet loose-snow avalanche
Trigger
Natural trigger
R size
2
D size
2
Problem Type
Wet Snow
Images
Natural wet loose slides in Absarokas
Slab Thickness units
centimeters
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Single Avalanche
Advisory Year
20-21

From obs 4/28/21: "Observed numerous natural wet loose slides probably occurring over the past 48 hours on NW-W-S aspects mid-elevation. Point releases from rock bands and couloirs shedding. Photo for example, which shows W facing bowl with slides visible from US-89 in Paradise Valley. These are between 8500’ and 9500’ on an unnamed peak just northeast of Dexter Point." Photo: T. Benson

Avalanche Details: Natural wet loose slides in Absarokas
Out of Advisory Area, 2021-04-29
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    • Natural new snow avalanches at Bridger and N. Madison

    Bridger Bowl
    Bridger Range
    Code
    SS-N-R1-D1.5-I
    Elevation
    8500
    Aspect
    NE
    Latitude
    45.81560
    Longitude
    -110.92300
    Number of slides
    4
    Number caught
    0
    Number buried
    0
    Avalanche Type
    Soft slab avalanche
    Trigger
    Natural trigger
    R size
    1
    D size
    1.5
    Bed Surface
    I - Interface between new and old snow
    Problem Type
    New Snow
    Images
    Natural new snow slab avalanche in northern Madison
    Natural slides across North Bowl road at Bridger
    Slab Thickness units
    centimeters
    Single / Multiple / Red Flag
    Multiple Avalanches
    Advisory Year
    20-21

    From obs: "[4/25/21] we toured up Sphinx mountain to have a look at the new snow. Both at the base of the west face and at the summit, new snow totals were approximately 5-10cm. On the approach, evidence of wind loading was minimal. Wind speed increased throughout the day, and we observed more significant wind loading on northern aspects. We found a supportable crust on all aspects of our ascent and descent and did not conduct any stability tests. Cracking on isolated wind loaded areas was observed on the approach.

    Northern Madison, 2021-04-27
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    • GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Mon Apr 26, 2021

    Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion

    <p>Heavy new snow&nbsp;creates potential for&nbsp;dangerous avalanche conditions the next few days. The Bridger Range, Cooke City and southern Madison Range got 10-16” of snow equal to 1.3-1.7” of snow water equivalent (SWE), near Big Sky got 9” of snow equal to 0.9” of SWE, and Hyalite and West Yellowstone got 4-5” equal to 0.4-0.5” of SWE.</p>

    <p>Today, large avalanches can be triggered by skiers, snowmobilers, climbers or hikers traveling on steep, snow-covered slopes. Avalanches will involve the new snow and could break as slabs, wide across or up slopes. Loose snow avalanches could run far and become large, especially where more snow fell. Carefully and continuously assess the stability of the new snow if you travel in avalanche terrain.</p>

    <p>Through the week, anticipate avalanche danger to rise each day with sun and warm temperatures. The new snow will quickly get wet from the&nbsp;sun the next couple days, and wet snow avalanches will be easy to trigger and occur naturally. Later in the week, above freezing temperatures at night will prevent the snowpack from freezing and create potential for deeper, destructive wet snow avalanches. On some slopes there is still weak, sugary snow at the base of the snowpack that could produce large wet slabs (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/21/depth-hoar-n-madison"><strong>pho…;, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PFmB3aoeNI&amp;list=PLXu5151nmAvQDzKmH… snowpack summary video</strong></a>). Plan to start your adventures early in the day and be off and out from underneath steep slopes before they have a wet, unsupportive snow surface. See below for additional general spring snowpack and travel advice.</p>

    <p>We will issue our final snowpack and weather update on Friday. We will continue to share relevant avalanche and snowpack information on our website and social media when available. If you get out, please send us your observations no matter how brief. You can submit them via our <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/add/snow_observation"><strong>website<…;, email (<a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com"><strong>mtavalanche@gmail.com</strong></a…;), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>

    Announcements, Avalanche Education and Events

    Bridger Bowl is closed, and backcountry conditions exist (video). There is no avalanche mitigation or ski patrol rescue. Please stay clear of work areas, snowmobiles, chair lifts and other equipment.

    See our education calendar for an up-to-date list of all local classes.

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