17-18
Reas Peak Avalanche Fatality
On the afternoon of January 10 three snowmobilers were riding near Reas Peak in the Centennial Range. The group was riding along a trail in a creek bed with 500-700’ high slopes approximately 36 degrees steep on both sides. One rider (Male, 36) rode up a steep gully to one side of the creek and triggered three small pockets of snow above. He was caught and fully buried and his sled was buried. The group had shovels and probes, but no avalanche beacons.
This avalanche likely released on Jan 12 and is estimated to be 3' deep near the top of the slope and 8' deep lower down. Photo: B. Fredlund
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Thu Jan 18, 2018
This avalanche likely released on Jan 12 and is estimated to be 3' deep near the top of the slope and 8' deep lower down. Photo: B. Fredlund
This avalanche likely released on Jan 12 and is estimated to be 3' deep near the top of the slope and 8' deep lower down. Photo: B. Fredlund
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Wed Jan 17, 2018
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Tue Jan 16, 2018
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
<p>The snowpack in the Lionhead area is weak, unstable and dangerous. On Sunday, riders triggered two avalanches, one in Airplane Bowl off Lionhead ridge (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/18/snowmobile-triggered-avalanche-li…;), and another lower down in the trees (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/18/remote-triggered-slide-near-lionh…;) that was triggered from the bottom of the slope. Weak, sugary facets near the ground are doing a poor job of supporting the 2-3 feet of snow that fell in the last week. Eric had lots of collapsing and cracking during his visit on Saturday (<a href="https://youtu.be/taPrFLj52aA"><strong>video</strong></a>) and warned of triggering avalanches from below or adjacent to avalanche terrain (aka. remote trigger). For today, human triggered avalanches remain likely and the avalanche danger is rated <strong>CONSIDERABLE </strong>on all slopes.</p>
<p>Cooke City has a mixed bag of stability concerns. This area received 3’ of snow last week and over the last 2 days I rode and skied around assessing conditions. At the upper elevations I measured 9-12’ of snow on the ground. A few wind slabs that formed Saturday and Sunday night avalanched naturally near ridgelines (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/18/wind-slab-avalanche-scotch-bonnet…;). The heavy snowfall also triggered a few large avalanches at upper elevations: the Fin above town (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/18/natural-avalanches-fin"><strong>p…;), and in Hayden Creek (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/18/natural-avalanches-hayden-creek">…;). Not to be forgotten, lower elevation slopes with snowpacks less than 5’ thick have weak snow near the ground that could collapse and avalanche. All of these concerns warrant digging and testing because most slopes are stable, but a few are not. For today, the avalanche danger is a solid <strong>MODERATE</strong> since human triggered avalanches are possible.</p>
<p>The snowpack is still adjusting to last week’s 2-4 feet of snow. In the last 3 days skiers and sledders reported many slopes with stable conditions, but recent avalanche activity warns us not be complacent. Take a look at the <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/weather/wx-avalanche-log">Weather and Avalanche Log</a> for a recap of the recent avalanche activity. Notable events include an avalanche remotely triggered in Dudley Creek in the northern Madison Range on Friday (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/18/skier-triggered-slide-dudley-cree…;) where the snowpack was shallow, a large avalanche on Saturday in Argentina Bowl south of Bridger Bowl (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/18/natural-avalanche-argentina-bowl"…;), and a snowmobiler triggered slide near Ross Peak in the Bridger Range (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/18/avalanche-near-ross-peak">photo</…;). Alex made a <strong><a href="https://youtu.be/QMEdLpX2oDs">video</a></strong> on Saturday outlining the instabilities to look for in the Bridger Range, but it applies to other ranges too. Avalanches breaking 2-4’ deep are possible, but without new snow it’s becoming less likely. For today, the avalanche danger is rated <strong>MODERATE</strong>.</p>
<p>If you get out and have any avalanche or snowpack observations to share, drop a line via our <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/add/snow_observation">website</a>, email (<a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com">mtavalanche@gmail.com</a>), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>
King and Queen of the Ridge
King and Queen of the Ridge, Saturday, February 3rd. A Hike and Ski/Ride-a-Thon fundraising event to support the Friends of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center. Sign up and start collecting pledges HERE.