Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
<p>In general the snowpack in the southern ranges, including Cooke City, is trending towards stability as it adjusts to the snowfall that ended Saturday. Yesterday, Ian and I rode into Lionhead. The only avalanche we saw was the one reported a week ago (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/22/recent-avalanche-lionhead"><stron…;) that likely failed on a thin layer of weak faceted snow about a foot under the surface . We found this layer yesterday (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/22/recent-avalanche-lionhead"><stron…;), but its lifespan as a problem has waned. However, we found weak, faceted snow near the ground that broke in a stability test (<a href="https://youtu.be/1z0BBwxFFQE"><strong><u>video</u></strong></a>), a snowpack’s way of saying, “Hey, don’t forget about me!” Around Cooke City, <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/avalanche-activity"><strong><u>avalanche activity</u></strong></a> late last week indicates weak layers mid-pack and near the ground still need time to strengthen. </p>
<p>The potential exists to trigger avalanches, and the danger is rated MODERATE today. Do not assume all slopes are safe and travel one at a time in avalanche terrain. Also, cornices are getting big and may be teetering, ready to break.</p>
<p>Strong winds have made snow surfaces variable, in some instances stripping slopes to dirt (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/22/winds-stripped-starting-zones"><s…;) or carving waves of sastrugi (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/22/wind-sculpting-bridgers"><strong>…;). Without new snow, avalanches are not likely. I found stable conditions in Beehive Basin on Sunday (<a href="https://youtu.be/4bHDClbuKT8"><strong><u>video</u></strong></a>) and skiers reported stable and wind hammered snow in Hyalite yesterday (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/22/wind-stripping-hyalite"><strong><…;). These areas along with the Bridger Range have gotten an extra helping of wind. No snowflake has been left behind. Yesterday, skiers in the northern Bridger Range approached the Great One and turned around after assessing the snow. Stacked layers of wind slabs over sugary facets did not inspire their confidence. Even during times of relative stability it’s <em>always</em> a great idea to look carefully at individual slopes. A small avalanche can have an oversized consequence. For today, the avalanche danger remains LOW since conditions are generally safe. </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><u>websi…;, email (<a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com"><strong><u>mtavalanche@gmail.com</u></str…;), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>
Upcoming Education Opportunities
The West Yellowstone Beacon Park is up and running! Stop by to check it out and practice with your rescue gear.
See our education calendar for an up-to-date list of all local classes. Here are a few select upcoming events and opportunities to check out:
