Good morning. This is Eric Knoff with early season weather and avalanche information from the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center on Tuesday, November 14th at 11:30 a.m. This information is sponsored by The Friends of the Avalanche Center and Grizzly Outfitters. We will update snowpack and weather information this weekend. Daily advisories will start Friday, November 24th.
Since 6 a.m. a fast moving storm dropped 4-6” of snow in the mountains around Bozeman and Big Sky and 2-3” in the mountains around West Yellowstone and Cooke City. Currently, snow has tapered off across the advisory area and no additional accumulation is expected. Temps have dropped 5-10° this morning and are currently in the low to mid 20s F. Winds are blowing 15-30 mph out of the west with gusts around Cooke City breaking 40 mph. Winds will decrease throughout the day as a weak ridge of high pressure builds over the area. Conditions will be dry today and tomorrow, but another storm is forecasted to impact the area Thursday and Friday.
Flying back from east coast yesterday, I observed large plumes of snow tailing off the high peaks from the Beartooths to the Bridger Range. This was bull’s eye information that active wind loading was taking place across the advisory area. A photo from Mt Blackmore yesterday highlights this problem perfectly (photo). Today, new and wind-blown snow from this morning will be resting over larger wind slabs that formed during the high winds prior to the storm. Slides initiating in the new snow could break into older wind slabs producing larger and more dangerous avalanches. Today, approach all wind loaded slopes with caution and remember that even small slides can have large consequences (video).
A secondary problem will be avalanches failing on weak layers buried deeper in the pack. This problem is not widespread and is mostly confined to higher elevation slopes that held snow from earlier in the season. These weak layers will be under stress from new and wind-blown snow and could produce large, dangerous slides. A large natural avalanche that occurred three days ago on Crown Butte outside of Cooke City is a perfect example of this problem (photo). Be extra cautious in steep, rocky terrain or on any slope that has been heavily wind loaded.
It’s early season but the mountains already have 2-4 feet of snow on the ground. If you plan to ski, ride, hunt or climb in avalanche terrain, carry the proper rescue gear (shovel, beacon, probe) and assess terrain and snowpack carefully (video).
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).
Get Avalanche Smart – Episode 2: Don’t Be Like Dick
The Friends of the Avalanche Center present the second of 4 short films promoting avalanche education. Dick Aspen and Doug Chabot star in this episode to encourage you to “get the real forecast” VIDEO.
Upcoming Avalanche Education and Events
BUTTE
17 November, Avalanche Awareness, 6-7:30 p.m., Butte, MT
HELENA
18 November, Avalanche Awareness and Beacon Practice for Snowmobiles, 9 a.m. at Montana Boat Center, Helena
7 December, Avalanche Awareness, 6-7:30 p.m. at Basecamp, Helena
BOZEMAN
6 December, Avalanche Awareness, 6-7:30 p.m. at REI Bozeman
7 December, Avalanche Awareness and Beacon Practice, 6-8 p.m. at Beall Park, Bozeman
Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 2, 3 or 9, Introduction to Avalanches w/ Field Day, Info and Register Here
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
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:
The best $30 you’ll ever spend, guaranteed: Our Intro to Avalanches with Field Day. Two evenings of lectures plus a full day in the field digging pits and learning about rescue. Info and Register Here
