Photos

Wet slab avalanches, like this one seen on a tour to Gallatin Peak, are more likely on lower elevation, south-facing slopes with a thinner snowpack. Photo: B. VandenBos

These wet, loose avalanches were seen on a tour to Gallatin Peak on Tuesday (3/28). New snow followed by warm temperatures and sun triggered them. Photo: B. VandenBos

This dry slab avalanche was seen outside Cooke City in upper Sheep Creek. There are still possibilities of avalanches in steep, exposed terrain. Photo: T. Gittins

Natural loose snow avalanches in the northern Bridger Range after 4-6" of new snow fell. These slides began near rocky outcrops and grew large as they entrained dense new snow. Photo: G. Antonioli

Loose snow avalanches in the northern Bridger Range ran naturally after 4-6" of dense snow fell on Saturday (3/25). Photo: G. Antonioli

Loose snow avalanches in the northern Bridger Range ran naturally after 4-6" of dense snow fell on Saturday (3/25). Photo: G. Antonioli

This slide started as a point release and gouged out weak, wet snow to the ground. It likely occurred on Thursday (3/23). Photo: A. Pohl

This large wet slide in Beehive Basin was the result of above freezing temperatures, strong solar input and isothermal snow. The slide started as a point release high in the rocks and soon gouged to the ground. A full isothermal snowpack now exists up to 9,000 ft. which will make this type of avalanche more common once it warms up. Photo GNFAC  

Skiers outside of Cooke City observed these dry slab avalanches in the north bowl of Abiathar. A layer of graupel is the expected weak layer. This avalanche problem won't be widespread, but it's something to consider when skiing or riding around Cooke City. Photo B. Fredlund 

Skiers outside of Cooke City triggered this small wet loose avalanche. As the surface snow heats up it looses strength and becomes more susceptible to sliding. Photo KT Miller 

An over abundance  of wind has created large cornices along the ridgelines. These monsters are growing weak with warming temperatures. Give cornices extra distance alonge the ridgelines and avoid traveling directly beneath them. Photo GNFAC 

The ice crust is capped with this week's new snow and is a great sliding surface for wet avalanches. This picture was taken in Texas Meadow near Bridger Bowl. The crust here is 1" thick while in Taylor Fork it is 3" thick. In both areas it is supportable. Photo: GNFAC

Doug Chabot stands next to a giant pinwheel he triggered while skiing Texas Meadow north of Bridger Bowl. 5 inches of new snow sitting on a firm ice crust in combination with above freezing temperatures produced perfect conditions for wet snow instabilities. Photo GNFAC 

This avalanche was observed on Friday (3/17). It likely broke from a cornice fall, and it triggered a large slab across the steep rocky terrain. Photo: P. Cronin

Roller balls are a sign that the surface of the snow is getting moist and weak. Photo: G. Antonioli

Roller balls are a sign that the surface of the snow is getting moist and weak. Photo: G. Antonioli

Cornices have grown large and overhang far over the edge. They are ready to break, especially with the warmer, above freezing temperatures. Photo: G. Antonioli

A cornice triggered avalanche on the east face of Mt. Abundance outside Cooke City. The party also witnessed a cornice breaking off on the northeast side of Miller Ridge.  Cornices are big and easily triggered right now! Photo: P. Costain

Wet avalanches on road cuts or steep slopes at lower elevations are a clue that larger wet avalanches are possible on slopes getting sun or rain. Photo: D. Haluptzok

Surfing a large cornice chunk outside Cooke City.