Northern Gallatin
Chris Hericks, snow ranger on Beaverhead Deerlodge NF, points to the lower of two surface hoar layers. We are finding similar layering throughout our entire forecast area. The top 18" of the snowpack is weak and will quickly become unstable when it snows. Photo: GNFAC
The crown is not visible (it is down and right) but the X marks the approximate spot the rider was found. Photo: GNFAC
Avalanche Details: Fatal Avalanche Ski Hill
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Wed Feb 9, 2022
Lionhead Range, 2022-02-07
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Wed Feb 9, 2022
The crown was measured 4-11 inches deep and 75 feet wide. Photo: GNFAC
Avalanche Details: Fatal Avalanche Ski Hill
Lionhead Range, 2022-02-07
Looking at a weak layer of facets that the avalanche propagated on. Photo: GNFAC
Avalanche Details: Fatal Avalanche Ski Hill
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Tue Feb 8, 2022
Lionhead Range, 2022-02-07
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Tue Feb 8, 2022
Small, Skier-Triggered Avalanche Blackmore
Mt Blackmore
Northern Gallatin
Code
L-ASu-R1-D1
Latitude
45.44440
Longitude
-111.00400
Notes
From Obs: "We skied into Blackmore late yesterday with chief concerns of the weak layer @ around 110cm and wind loaded new slopes. We dug two pits and found no failures in our column or ECTs. With the wind on the ridge we dug a hasty pit near the ridge to see how it was bonding. Again no results.
We decided to ski our lines taking care to avoid potential trigger zones and particularly loaded slopes. About half way down, I took a turn to the skier's left of a spine and the skier's right side had a small surface-level release. This would probably not have buried a skier, but likely would have taken them or a ride above the cliff band."
Number caught
0
Number buried
0
Avalanche Type
Loose-snow avalanche
Trigger
Skier
Trigger Modifier
u-An unintentional release
R size
1
D size
1
Slab Thickness
4.0 inches
Slab Thickness units
inches
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Single Avalanche
Advisory Year
Small Skier Triggered Release at Blackmore
We skied into Blackmore late yesterday with chief concerns of the weak layer @ around 110cm and wind loaded new slopes. We dug two pits and found no failures in our column or ECTs. With the wind on the ridge we dug a hasty pit near the ridge to see how it was bonding. Again no results.
We decided to ski our lines taking care to avoid potential trigger zones and particularly loaded slopes. About half way down, I took a turn to the skier's left of a spine and the skier's right side had a small surface-level release. This would probably not have buried a skier, but likely would have taken them or a ride above the cliff band.
Activity
Skiing
Date
Image Upload
Latitude
45.44
Location (from list)
Title of your observation
Small Skier Triggered Release at Blackmore
Longitude
-111.00
Observer Name
E Stutzman
Phone
240-422-6979
Region
Similar Regions
On Sunday, February 6, Gallatin Country Sheriff Search and Rescue and the GNFAC responded to a avalanche in Lionhead. A snowmobiler was killed on a small steep slope when a shallow avalanche carried him into a terrain trap of trees. Photo: GNFAC
Avalanche Details: Fatal Avalanche Ski Hill
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Mon Feb 7, 2022
Lionhead Range, 2022-02-06
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Mon Feb 7, 2022