These avalanches were observed on 12/17 on the N-NE aspects of Miller Ridge near Cooke City. Photo: B. Fredlund
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Sun Dec 18, 2016
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Sun Dec 18, 2016
16-17
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Sun Dec 18, 2016
These slides happened between 12/16 and 12/17 on the NE aspect of Miller ridge just below 10,000'. They failed on faces near the ground. Photo: B. Fredlund
These slides happened over the weekend (12/16-12/17) and broke on weak facets near the ground. The crowns are about 10,000' on E-SE aspects. Photo: B. Fredlund
Although a ways from our advisory area, this avalanche shows similar instability as what we have in our area. It broke on facets above a crust on the ground and was triggered with explosives. Photo: C. Hlavac
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Sat Dec 17, 2016
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
Cooke City
Today, very dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the mountains around Cooke City. Over the past three days, this area has received over two feet of snow totaling close to 3” of SWE (snow water equivalent). This tremendous load has been deposited on a weak snowpack structure.
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Sat Dec 17, 2016
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
Henderson Mountain Skier Avalanche Fatality
On Sunday, December 11, two skiers joined another group of three friends to ski and snowboard a short run on the shoulder of Henderson Mountain. The group of three had already skied a lap on the slope and the two others joined them for a run. Skiing one at a time the three skied to the bottom, leaving the two others at the top. With 6 tracks on the slope another skier descended. After two turns the slope avalanched with the crown line breaking at the tips of the top person’s skis. The slope was 40-43 deg steep where it was triggered.
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Fri Dec 16, 2016
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
Southern Gallatin Range Southern Madison Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City