A fast and heavy load produced large avalnaches in the northern Bridgers. This slide broke 3-5 feet deep and more 1,000 feet across - it ran full track, 1,700 vertical. It occurred on a W-SW facing slope at 8,700 ft. The weak layer was old facets near the ground. Photo GNFAC
10-11
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Thu Mar 31, 2011
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
The Bridger Range:
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Wed Mar 30, 2011
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
The Bridger, Gallatin and Madison Ranges, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone, the mountains around Cooke City and the Washburn Range:
Weather stations are reading a uniform five to seven inches over southwest Montana. The snow density is measuring 5-8% powder on most sites, which is a nice consistency to ski, but also light enough to be blown around. 20-30 mph winds are a perfect speed to load leeward slopes. With winds and snowfall continuing unabated today, I expect the likelihood of avalanches to rise steadily.
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Wed Mar 30, 2011
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Tue Mar 29, 2011
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
The Bridger, Gallatin and Madison Ranges, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone, the mountains around Cooke City and the Washburn Range:
Yesterday’s snowstorm dropped 6-12 inches of snow in most areas under calm skies. Later in the day winds started to pick up out of the west to southwest. Recent wind-loading is our biggest stability concern today. Drifts of soft slabs will be sensitive to triggering near the ridgetops. I do not expect to see widespread avalanches, but I do think folks could trigger slides if they let their guard down.
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Mon Mar 28, 2011
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
The Bridger Range:
Surprise - Surprise! The Bridger Range got hammered again. The foot of snow that fell overnight totaled close to one inch of water. This is a heavy load in a short period of time. Despite a fast and heavy load, there are a few factors working in our favor. One – this latest storm came in with very little wind. Two – the snowpack in the Bridger Range is strong and should have no problem supporting the new load.
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Sun Mar 27, 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: