Good morning. This is Alex Marienthal with the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Forecast on Saturday, December 7th at 7:00 am. This information is sponsored by Montana State Parks and Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue. This forecast does not apply to operating ski areas.
This morning temperatures are high 20s to low 30s F. Today temperatures will reach 30s to low 40s F under partly sunny skies. Wind will continue out of the west at 10-25 mph. A cold front will arrive late tonight with temperatures dropping to teens and 20s F and westerly wind at 20-35 mph. Snowfall overnight could produce 1-3” by tomorrow morning with an additional 3-5” possible tomorrow night.
All Regions
Avalanches are unlikely today and the snowpack is generally stable. Weak layers are buried near the bottom of a 1-2 foot deep snowpack on some slopes and many weak layers have formed on the surface, but without new snow over the past week you are unlikely to find an unstable slab that could avalanche.
Above freezing temperatures may soften the snow surface this afternoon, but wet avalanches will be inhibited by cloud cover and a snow surface that has been through several melt-freeze cycles which is more resistant to falling apart. Watch for isolated small wet slides on sunny slopes around rock outcrops.
Despite a low likelihood for avalanches, an isolated unstable slope might be found somewhere in our large forecast area. If you are skiing or riding slopes steeper than 30 degrees be aware of the lingering chance to trigger an avalanche, and keep in mind the increased risk of even a small slide due to thin snow cover.
The shallow snowpack means you can quickly dig to assess for buried weak layers before committing to a steep slope. Watch for signs of instability (cracking and collapsing, rollerballs or a sticky snow surface), carry proper rescue gear (beacon, shovel and probe), and travel one at a time across steep slopes. The avalanche danger is LOW.
The new snow tonight and tomorrow will fall on weak layers that formed on the surface of the snowpack over the last week and danger will probably increase. Make sure to check the forecast for updates, and see our recent videos from Lionhead, Buck Ridge, Taylor Fork, Cooke City and the Bridgers for a look at what lies on the ground throughout our forecast area.
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.
**Bridger Bowl has backcountry conditions and there are no ski patrol services. Please steer clear of snowmaking equipment, chairlifts and snowmobiles, and respect posted signage while they set up for the season.
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