10-11

GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Tue Apr 5, 2011

Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion

The Bridger, northern Gallatin and northern Madison Ranges:

Snowfall since Saturday has totaled 7- 10 inches in the northern mountains. Most of this fell onto a frozen snow surface. Yesterday’s winds and additional snowfall added to the size of cornices and loaded pillows under the ridgelines. Most wind-loaded slopes around Big Sky required explosives to loosen the snow, but the Moonlight Basin Ski Patrol were able to release two foot thick wind slabs with ski cuts on steep terrain. Wind-loaded slopes are my primary avalanche concern today.