Northern Gallatin
Natural avalanche in Divide Cirque
Divide Cirque
Northern Gallatin
Code
SS-N-R2-D2.5-O
Elevation
9300
Aspect
NW
Latitude
45.39340
Longitude
-110.96900
Notes
Timing uncertain, but the avalanche occurred sometime after the last significant snowfall on Tuesday 2/25/2020.
From observation: "Saw this avalanche that broke on a NW facing slope around 9300’. Looks to have failed on the facets at the ground ... the crown was 4-5’."
Number caught
0
Number buried
0
Avalanche Type
Soft slab avalanche
Trigger
Natural trigger
R size
2
D size
2.5
Bed Surface
O - Old snow
Problem Type
Persistent Weak Layer
Slab Thickness
60.0 inches
Vertical Fall
200ft
Slab Width
150.00ft
Slab Thickness units
inches
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Single Avalanche
Advisory Year
"Saw this avalanche that broke on a NW facing slope around 9300’. Looks to have failed on the facets at the ground ... the crown was 4-5’."
Photo: M. Murray
Avalanche Details: Snowcat triggered avalanche in Swan Creek
Northern Gallatin, 2020-02-29
"Saw this avalanche that broke on a NW facing slope around 9300’. Looks to have failed on the facets at the ground ... the crown was 4-5’."
Photo: M. Murray
Avalanche Details: Natural avalanche in Divide Cirque
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Sat Feb 29, 2020
Northern Gallatin, 2020-02-29
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Sat Feb 29, 2020
Overview of an avalanche triggered on 2/27/2020 at 8:30 p.m. by a groomer between Storm Castle and Swan Creeks in the northern Gallatin Range. The driver was ok, but the machine did a full barrel roll and was very badly damaged. Photo: GNFAC
Crown of an avalanche triggered on 2/27/2020 at 8:30 p.m. by a groomer between Storm Castle and Swan Creeks in the northern Gallatin Range. The driver was ok, but the machine did a full barrel roll and was very badly damaged. It broke 2-3' deep on weak sugary snow near the ground. It was on a West aspect at 7,500' elev., 100' wide, 600' long. Photo: GNFAC
Avalanche Details: Snowcat triggered avalanche in Swan Creek
Northern Gallatin, 2020-02-28
An avalanche triggered on 2/27/2020 at 8:30 p.m. by a groomer between Storm Castle and Swan Creeks in the northern Gallatin Range. The driver was ok, but the machine did a full barrel roll and was very badly damaged. The debris piled 8' deep on the road, which creates a terrain trap. Photo: GNFAC
Avalanche Details: Snowcat triggered avalanche in Swan Creek
Northern Gallatin, 2020-02-28
Debris and groomer in an avalanche triggered on 2/27/2020 at 8:30 p.m. by a groomer between Storm Castle and Swan Creeks in the northern Gallatin Range. The driver was ok, but the machine did a full barrel roll and was very badly damaged. Photo: GNFAC
Avalanche Details: Snowcat triggered avalanche in Swan Creek
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Sun Mar 1, 2020
Northern Gallatin, 2020-02-28
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Sun Mar 1, 2020