A shallow and weak snowpack exists in the mountains outside of West Yellowstone. Without a slab there is little avalanche danger, but once we get more snow the danger will rise rapidly. This photo was taken near Two Top. Photo GNFAC
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Wind loaded slopes, specifically slopes below ridgelines will be likely places to find unstable snow. This small slide occurred near Lulu Pass outside of Cooke City. Photo GNFAC
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Mon Dec 19, 2011
Natural slab avalanche near Iceberg Peak outside of Cooke City. This slide occurred on a NE facing slope and was likely the result of a heavy wind load. Photo Beau Fredlund
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Sun Dec 18, 2011
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
The Bridger, Gallatin and Madison Ranges, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone:
Sometimes when I’m trying to figure out how to describe an avalanche problem, I think of what I might tell my mom. If my mom was a backcountry skier I’d give her a few key pieces of information to keep her extra safe:
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Sat Dec 17, 2011
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
The Bridger, Gallatin and Madison Ranges, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone and mountains around Cooke City:
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Fri Dec 16, 2011
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
The Bridger, Gallatin and Madison Ranges, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone and mountains around Cooke City:
One of the biggest factors affecting the avalanche danger is significant snowfall. Without much stress from new snow, there have been few avalanches. Although the snowpack is weak in most areas, it is generally stable because it has little stress. This situation will change if or when a big storm arrives, but for now the waiting game continues.
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Thu Dec 15, 2011
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
The Bridger, Gallatin and Madison Ranges, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone and mountains around Cooke City: