GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Sun Mar 9, 2014
Cooke City
This massive slide occurred on the noth side Sctoch Bonnet Mountain north of Cooke City. It is uncertain whether this slide was human triggered or a natural, but judging by the tracks it appears to be snowmobile triggered. The crown looks to be close to 1000 ft. wide and over ten feet deep. Photo S. Walsh
This massive slide occurred on the noth side Sctoch Bonnet Mountain north of Cooke City. It is uncertain whether this slide was human triggered or a natural, but judging by the tracks it appears to be snowmobile triggered. The crown looks to be close to 1000 ft. wide and over ten feet deep. Photo B. Zevora
This slide occurred on a NE facing slope on Mt. Republic south of Town. The avalanche failed naturally and was the result of heavy crossloading from SW winds. Photo B. Fredlund
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Sun Mar 9, 2014
This natural avalanche was likely triggered by a cornice fall. It broke on a layer of facets that formed in January. The crown was 44 degrees steep, 3-4 feet deep, 150 feet wide and ran 900 feet vertical. It avalanched after the storm ended yesterday morning. Photo: GNFAC
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Sun Mar 9, 2014
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Sat Mar 8, 2014
Cooke City
It's hard to imagine that the mountains around Cooke City have not received significant snowfall in the past 24 hours. This break in the weather has given the snowpack a well needed breather, which in turn should allow the snowpack time to stabilize.
Consistent snow and wind have developed large cornices alonge exposed ridgelines. Cornices are dangerous for a few reasons. When traveling along the top of the ridge they can fail and pull back farther than one might expect. They can also fail naturally making great triggers for the slopes below. Avoiding corniced ridgelines and slopes below cornices is a good idea this time of year. Photo GNFAC
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Fri Mar 7, 2014
Cooke City