GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Sat Nov 30, 2024
Good morning. This is Ian Hoyer with the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Forecast on Saturday, November 30th at 7:00 am. This information is sponsored by Polaris and Idaho State Snowmobile Association - Avalanche Fund. This forecast does not apply to operating ski areas.
Light snow showers overnight will end this morning without significant accumulations and clouds will decrease through the day. Winds have been moderate out of the west and will continue similarly today. High temperatures will be in the teens and 20s F. No snow is expected until at least mid-week.
All Regions
Triggering an avalanche on a wind loaded slope is the primary concern today. Watch out for wind drifts on steep slopes and either avoid them or carefully assess the snowpack beneath them before proceeding.
Yesterday, on Mt. Blackmore, skiers intentionally triggered a small wind slab avalanche that broke 1 ft deep and 10 ft wide (details and photo). Even a small slide like this could have big consequences if it pushes you off of cliffs or into rocks. Without recent new snow, many wind drifts will now be well bonded. Stay alert in case you find one that isn’t. Cracks shooting out in front of you are a clear sign to avoid steep slopes.
Persistent slab avalanches could also break on weak layers of older snow. To trigger an avalanche on these weak layers right now, there will need to be a cohesive slab of wind drifted snow above them. These weak layers mostly seem to be an issue on higher elevation shady slopes that held thin snow cover through early November. We haven’t seen much activity on these layers, but avalanches triggered during mitigation work at Big Sky Resort over the last week show that the possibility exists (photo, photo). Take a few minutes to dig down to look for and test these weak layers to avoid an unpleasant surprise.
Human triggered avalanches are possible and the avalanche danger is MODERATE across the advisory area.
Upcoming Avalanche Education and Events
Our education calendar is full of awareness lectures and field courses. Check it out: Events and Education Calendar
Monday, December 2, 6:30 p.m. MAP community partnership night and 1-hr Avalanche Awareness, at MAP Brewing
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 77% of the way to our goal. Please consider making even a small donation HERE or via Venmo
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.