Good morning. This is Eric Knoff with the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Advisory issued on Sunday, March 15th, at 7:30 a.m. Community Food Co-op in partnership with the Friends of the Avalanche Center sponsor today’s advisory. This advisory does not apply to operating ski areas.
This morning mountain temperatures are in the upper 30s to mid-40s F and winds are blowing 15-30 mph out of the W-SW with gusts near 50 mph being recorded in many mountain locations. Today, Skies will become increasingly cloudy as a weak storm system approaches from the west. Mountain temps will warm into the mid to upper 40s and winds will continue to be strong out of the W-SW. There is a chance for rain and snow showers this afternoon and evening. Snow levels will be around 8,000 ft. where 1-2 inches might accumulate. Rain will be likely at lower elevations. Precipitation amounts for this storm appear to be light.
Bridger Range Madison Range Gallatin Range
Lionhead Area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
Today, snow conditions will be a lot worse than the avalanche danger. Although temps did not drop below freezing last night, a mostly clear sky and strong winds will allow for some surface cooling which will create a crust on the snow surface. This curst might be supportable on some slopes and breakable on others.
Either way, riding conditions will be about as bad as they get today. On a positive note, if you do venture into the backcountry and brave the chunder, it's unlikely that human triggered avalanches will occur.
Looking ahead - the avalanche danger could increase if the incoming storm delivers a moderate to heavy amount of moisture. Both rain and snow are possible during this storm, which will create a mixed bag of conditions. The biggest threat over the next 24 hours will be a rain on snow event. If rain starts to fall in earnest, it will be a good idea to avoid avalanche terrain. It is unlikely that new snow accumulations will be enough to spike the avalanche hazard.
For today - generally safe avalanche conditions exist and the avalanche danger is rated LOW. If rain starts to fall today, the wet snow avalanche danger could rise to MODERATE.
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.