21-22

<p>It has been over a week since the mountains received major snowfall and strong wind, and almost as long without a fresh avalanche reported (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/weather/wx-avalanche-log">weather and avalanche log</a></strong>). The snowpack has become generally stable during this break from loading, and today avalanches are unlikely (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rdv_14BacQU"><strong>video</strong></a&…;). It is not impossible to trigger an avalanche if you find an isolated unstable slope. Remain cautious of slopes that have highly variable snow depth, where you might find a shallow spot where you could trigger an avalanche on weak snow near the ground. Before riding on steep slopes dig a quick snowpit to be sure you aren’t on a slope with an isolated area of unstable snow. Watch out for small unstable drifts of snow if you ride or ski in terrain where the consequences are high if caught in even a small slide, like above cliffs. Give large cornices a wide berth if you travel along ridgelines (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/22/large-cornices-buck-ridge"><stron…;). Cornices can break off further back than you expect. Only expose one person at a time to steep slopes and make sure everyone in your group has rescue gear and knows how to use it. Today the avalanche danger is LOW.</p>

<p>Yesterday, riders near Lionhead Ridge and skiers near Hebgen Lake near West Yellowstone saw surface hoar (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/22/surface-hoar-top-near-lionhead">p…;, <strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/22/surface-hoar-formation-lionhead">…;) and sugary facets on the surface of the snowpack. Pay attention to what is happening to the snow surface during this period without new snow. On some slopes weak snow is forming which will create avalanches when the next snow forms a slab on top.</p>

<p>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>