Good Morning. This is Eric Knoff with the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Advisory issued on Friday, November 25th at 7:00 a.m. Today’s advisory is sponsored by Bridger Bowl and Montana Ale Works. This advisory does not apply to operating ski areas.
This morning there is no new snow to report and temperatures range from the upper teens to mid-20’s F under mostly clear skies. Winds are blowing 15-25 mph out of the W-SW. Today, temps will warm into the mid to upper 30’s F and winds will continue to blow 15-25 mph out of the W-SW. Skies will remain mostly clear during the morning hours, but will become partly to mostly cloudy by this afternoon. The mountains could see a passing rain or snow shower tonight, but no real accumulation is expected. Tomorrow looks to be mostly dry.
Bridger Range Gallatin Range Madison Range Lionhead area near West Yellowstone
Below freezing temperatures overnight have helped stability, but haven’t done much to improve riding conditions. If you do get out today, the snowpack will be firm and locked up tight. On a positive note, there won’t be much in the way of avalanche hazard, though there could be a random wind slab perched precariously under an upper elevation ridgeline. This problem won’t be widespread, but it can’t be entirely ruled out.
Although the avalanche hazard has been minimized with freezing temperatures, it is not the time to throw caution to the wind. Basic avalanche protocol still applies when heading in the backcountry. This includes carrying the proper rescue gear (shovel, beacon and probe), traveling one at a time on steep slopes, and watching your partner from a safe location.
Today, avalanches are unlikely and the avalanche danger is rated LOW.
Cooke City has the deepest snowpack in the advisory area. On average, the pack is 4-6’ deep at higher elevations. Earlier in the week, Doug and I traveled in the mountains around Cooke City and found mostly stable snow (video, photo). Although warm temps and rain did affect this area, the snowpack has remained cold and dry at higher elevations. Yesterday, a skier observed heavy wind loading caused to strong southwest winds. Today, wind slabs will be the primary avalanche problem. Keep an eye out for wind loaded slopes below upper elevation ridgelines and on the leeward side of cross loaded terrain features.
Today, human triggered avalanches are possible on wind loaded slopes which have a MODERATE avalanche danger. Non-wind loaded slopes have a LOW avalanche danger.
If you get out and have any avalanche or snowpack observations to share, drop a line via our website, email (mtavalanche@gmail.com), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).
Some days the big lines will go, but other days they won't. It's up to you to decide, because the best days are the ones when you return home safely. Three skiers walk through the decision making process in Get Avalanche Smart - Episode 3: The Great One.
Upcoming Avalanche Education and Events
BOZEMAN
Nov. 28, Avalanche Awareness, 6-7:30 p.m. at Play it Again Sports
Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 2, 3 or 9, Introduction to Avalanches w/ Field Day, Info and Register Here
Dec. 6, Avalanche Awareness, 6-7:30 p.m. at REI Bozeman
Dec. 7, Avalanche Awareness and Beacon Practice, 6-8 p.m. at Beall Park, Bozeman
Dec. 13, Avalanche Awareness, 6:30-8 p.m. at Gallatin Valley Snowmobile Association, 4-Corners
Jan. 12 and 13, Companion Rescue Clinic, Info and Register
Jan. 17, 18 and 20 or 21, Introduction to Avalanches w/ Field Day, Info and Register Here
Jan. 24, 25 and 27, Advanced Avalanche Workshop w. Field Day, Info and Register Here
Feb. 9 and 10, Companion Rescue Clinic, Info and Register
HELENA
7 December, Avalanche Awareness, 6-7:30 p.m. at Basecamp, Helena
WEST YELLOWSTONE
Dec. 14 and 15, Snowmobiler Introduction to Avalanches with Field Course, Info and Register Here
COOKE CITY
24 and 25 November, Current Conditions and Avalanche Rescue, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Friday and anytime between 10-2 on Saturday.
Forecasters’ Choice:
Here’s a new video series from BCA outlining how to use an avalanche transceiver to perform an effective rescue.