11-12

 Many natural slides were visible from the Lionhead Ridge.  Over two feet of heavy, dense snow has fallen in this area over the past week.  Facets buried near the ground and 2-3 feet above the ground are failing due to this load.  Slides that are occurring on these layers are breaking deep and propagating long distances.  Photo GNFAC  

 New snow and strong southwest winds have loaded leeward slopes, pushing many past their breaking point.  This slide occurred off Lionhead Ridge and broke on a layer of facets about 60 cm above the ground.  The crown was 3-8 feet deep and propagated 400 feet wide.  This slide likely happened on 3-16-12.  Photo GNFAC 

This wet slab released along Hwy. 191 at about 7200ft. Photo: W. Shoutis

This wet snow avalanche occurred along Hwy. 191 at about 7200ft.  Photo: W. Shoutis

This wet snow hard slab avalanche occurred on 2 p.m. on Friday, March 16th.  It slid on an E facing slope on the way to Lionhead at approximately 8000ft.  Photo: C. Aasness

 This natural occurred on the north side of Hardscrabble Peak in the northern Bridgers.  The slide was likely triggered by a cornice drop.  Photo GNFAC

 Strong southwest winds on Tuesday March 12th, heavily loaded north and east facing slopes in the Bridger Range.  This slide is likely the result of that wind event.  The slide appears to have initiated in the steep rocks directely below the ridge, but pulled out the entier seasons snowpack lower on the slope.  Depth hoar near the ground exists on many slopes in the Bridger Range and contiues to demonstrate its ability to propagate fractures with the proper trigger.  This slide occurred on the north side of Hardscrabble Peak.   Photo GNFAC