This slide was observed on Saturday (3/11) after a week of heavy snowfall and strong wind. NE aspect. Photo: B. Fredlund
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Debris and runout of avalanche likely triggered by cornice fall on Fan Mtn. near Big Sky. Observed Saturday (3/11). Photo: E. Green
Avalanche likely triggered by cornice fall on Fan Mtn. near Big Sky. Observed Saturday (3/11). Photo: BSSP
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Sat Mar 11, 2017
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
Wet Snow: Warm temperatures and sunshine today will moisten the snow surface and make wet loose avalanches likely on steep slopes. Avalanche danger could rise to CONSIDERABLE on all slopes by late morning. Avoid steep slopes if you see roller balls or can make snowballs with damp snow on the surface.
Cooke City
This slide was triggered by a cornice fall prior to Friday (3/10) on NE aspect in Sheep Creek. The crown was up to 6-10 feet deep and the slide ran to the bottom of the drainage. Photo: S. Barrier
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Sat Mar 11, 2017
Riders were happy they weren't any closer when this cornice broke far back from the edge. Photo: H. Menssen
After heavy snow and strong winds, natural avalanches occurred in steep wind loaded terrain. These slides occurred on Wolverine mountain north of Cooke City. Photo GNFAC
Cornices are large along ridgelines throughout the mountains. Strong winds continue to build them, and above freezing spring temperatures in the future will make them easy to topple. Be extra cautious of slopes below them. Keep a wide distance from the leeward edge of ridgelines. Photo: GNFAC
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Fri Mar 10, 2017
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
Cooke City
Although more snow fell overnight, the avalanche warning for mountains around Cooke City has expired. Since yesterday morning, Fisher Creek Snotel site picked up 8-10” of dense snow totaling 1.2” of SWE. This puts the three day total at 3.4” of (snow water equivalent).