Good morning. This is Ian Hoyer with the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Forecast on Friday, December 6th at 7:00 am. This information is sponsored by Polaris and the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation. This forecast does not apply to operating ski areas.
This morning, temperatures are inverted, with mountain temperatures (20s to low 30s F) warmer than valley temps (as low as 6 F in West Yellowstone). Winds are 5-15 mph out of the west and northwest with gusts up to 30 mph. There is no new snow.
Today, skies will be sunny, winds moderate out of the west, and temperatures will rise into the 30s F.
Snowfall is expected to begin tomorrow (Saturday) night.
All Regions
Triggering an avalanche is unlikely today.
With only a dusting of snowfall in the last week, wind slabs have now either bonded or softened and faceted away. Cold clear nights have weakened the snow surface, but until a slab forms above them this weak snow is not currently a concern. There are also weak layers near the ground on many slopes, but again, until they get loaded, you’re unlikely to trigger a slide on them. With sunny skies and temperatures above freezing, wet loose avalanches are a remote possibility this afternoon. But, with sunny slopes having already gone through several melt-freeze cycles, don’t expect much wet loose activity today.
With all that said, there may still be some lingering instability out there somewhere. If you’re planning on riding steep slopes, stay on alert for signs of instability (such as cracking or collapsing). Safe travel protocols (one at time on steep slopes) and carrying rescue gear (beacon, shovel, and probe) provide one more failsafe in case you do get surprised.
The avalanche danger is LOW. Thin snow cover is the primary hazard for backcountry skiers and riders today.
Upcoming Avalanche Education and Events
Our education calendar is full of awareness lectures and field courses. Check it out: Events and Education Calendar
Tuesday, December 10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., West Yellowstone Avalanche Fundamentals: Motorized Guide Cert Course, Pre-registration required.
For an intro class with a field day, Register for our Avalanche Fundamentals course.
Friends of the Avalanche Center: Fall Fundraiser!
We’re still counting on your support and the online Fall Powder Blast fundraiser is 79% of the way to our goal. Please consider making even a small donation HERE or via Venmo