Good morning. This is Eric Knoff with the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Advisory issued on Sunday, January 25, at 7:30 a.m. Northern Lights Trading Company and Outlaw Partners sponsor today’s advisory. This advisory does not apply to operating ski areas.
Over the past 24 hours 1-2 inches of heavy, wet snow accumulated above 7,000 ft. This morning, mountain temperatures are in the upper 20s to low 30s F and winds are blowing 15-25 out of the W-NW with a few stronger gusts being recorded along the ridgetops. Today, skies will remain mostly cloudy and temperatures will warm into the upper 30s to low 40s F. Winds will continue to blow 15-25 out of the W-NW. There is a slight chance of rain and snow in the mountains, but no real accumulation is expected. A ridge of high pressure will begin to move over the area tonight creating a sunnier and even warmer day tomorrow.
Bridger Range Madison Range Gallatin Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
Overall stability has been pretty good lately (video). However, there have been a few small human triggered avalanches that remind us to be prepared (photo).
In the mountains near Cooke City and West Yellowstone, buried weak layers 1-2 feet deep are the main avalanche concern (photo, video video). These weak layers do not exist on all slopes so it’s important to do a quick snowpack assessment before committing to steeper terrain.
Near Big Sky and Bozeman, strong winds earlier in the week created wind slabs which are the main avalanche problem. Warm temperatures over the past few days have helped stabilize these older wind slabs, but in isolated areas they could still fail under the weight of a skier or rider.
With buried weak layers on some slopes and wind slabs on others, avalanches are possible and the avalanche danger is rated MODERATE on wind loaded slopes and slopes steeper than 35 degrees. All other slopes have a LOW avalanche danger.
I will issue the next advisory tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m. If you have any snowpack or avalanche observations drop us a line at mtavalanche@gmail.com or call us at 587-6984.
Avalanche Forecaster’s Beer Social Fundraiser
The Friends of the Avalanche Center and Montana Ale Works are hosting an Avalanche Forecaster’s Beer Social Fundraiser the evening of January 27th. Get more information and buy tickets here: https://www.ticketriver.com/event/14010
AVALANCHE EDUATION and EVENTS
Take a look at our Education Calendar for all our classes being offered.
Advanced Avalanche Workshop with Field Course, MSU Bozeman, evening lectures 7-9:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, January 28 and 29, with an all-day field session on Saturday. Get more information and register here: https://www.ticketriver.com/event/12445
1-hour Avalanche Awareness, Dillon, UM Western, 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 27.
1-hour Avalanche Awareness for Snowmobilers, Livingston, 7 p.m., Tuesday, January 27, Yellowstone Ranger District.
1-hour Avalanche Awareness for Snowmobilers, West Yellowstone, 7 p.m., Saturday, January 31, Holiday Inn.
1-hour Avalanche Awareness for Snowmobilers, Lewistown, 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Saturday, January 31, Fergus Country Trade Center. More info here: http://www.mtavalanche.com/images/15/thunderstruck-13-premiere-and-avalanche-classes