Dudley Creek avalanche #2. This avalanche took place on a SE facing slope that was heavily wind loaded by strong NW winds. It likley occurred over a week ago, probably on the 23rd or 24th of January. This is a classic example of weak, faceted snow forming around a rock band, then getting loaded to its breaking point by new and windblown snow. GNFAC
The Bridger, Madison and Gallatin Ranges, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone:
Small wind slabs can still be triggered on steep terrain around Cooke City. Notice the fingers of cross-loaded snow. This natural slide was seen from Sheep Creek. Photo: Beau Fredlund
The Bridger, Madison and Gallatin Ranges, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone, and the mountains around Cooke City and the Washburn Range:
This slide occurred on a SE facing slope on the 23 or 24 of January and was the result of a heavy wind load. Photo: GNFAC
Surface hoar formed Sunday, Jan 30th in the southern Madison Range. This is now buried under a few inches of snow. Photo: Jeff Watt.
This surface hoar is now buried under an inch or two of snow. It was found up Swan Creek in the northern Gallatin Range. Buried surface hoar can be a persistent weak layer and we'll be keeping close tabs on it. Photo: W. Shoutis
The Bridger, Madison and Gallatin Ranges, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone, and the mountains around Cooke City and the Washburn Range:
The Bridger, Madison and Gallatin Ranges, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone, and the mountains around Cooke City and the Washburn Range:
Warm and dry conditions over the past few days have helped stabilize the snowpack on most slopes. Yesterday, I nearly forgot what month it was when I was hiking around the Bridger Range in a light fleece top; it felt far more like April than January. Although weak and unstable snow can be found in a few scattered areas, this is the exception to the rule.
