A view from the ridgetop looking down the avalanche path. Photo: GNFAC
10-11
The avalanche broke on a layer of facets underneath an ice crust. Photo: GNFAC
The avalanche funneled down this narrow path 1,300 feet. Photo GNFAC
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Tue Mar 8, 2011
This crown averaged 2-3 ft deep and broke up to 5' at the deepest. It propagated roughly 150 feet across. Photo GNFAC
This debris pile is from a hard slab avalanche that was triggered by a cornice drop in the Sothern Madison Range. The avalanache ran 1,300 vertical feet through a very tight gully. It would have been nearly impossible to survive if you were caught.
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Sun Mar 6, 2011
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
The mountains around Cooke City and the Washburn Range:
Can you say POWDER! Since yesterday morning the mountains around Cooke City have received over 18 inches of low density snow. In most cases 18” of new snow equals well over an inch of water (SWE), but currently the Fisher Creek Snotel site is only recording .5 inches of SWE in the past 24 hours. This translates to cold smoke powder. A skier in Cooke City confirmed this saying yesterday was by far the deepest day of the season.
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Sat Mar 5, 2011
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
The Bridger, Madison and Gallatin Ranges, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone, the mountains around Cooke City and the Washburn Range: