Northern Gallatin

Observed from Flanders this morning. Presumed recent natural slide around ~9950 ft. on a E/NE aspect. Photo: E Webb

The power of the winds was emphasized by the scoured west side of the East Ridge of the Main Fork. Photo: E Webb

Toured up Flanders Peak this morning—a beautiful day with clear skies and no/light winds.

During our ascent, we observed widespread wind effects above 8800'. The west-facing ridge of the drainage was scoured of snow, while wind loading was observed on E/SE aspects between 8800' and the summit. 1-5" thick wind slabs were widespread, and were especially of note at lower elevations in the east-facing trees; increasing depth and stiffness as we ascended and on Flanders' E shoulder. Got a few small whumpfs along the E shoulder while ascending, but no other signs of instability on the day. Several small test slopes we traversed along the ridge did not show signs of instability when we tested them.

The power of the winds was emphasized by the scoured west side of the East Ridge of the Main Fork.

We skied the slope in the trees south of the summit and dug a pit on a SE aspect @ 9530'. Skiing quality was low. Snowpit depth was 72cm. Test results were CT11 SP, ECTN8, PST 44/100 (End).

Observed from Flanders this morning. Presumed recent natural slide around ~9950 ft. on a E/NE aspect. Hard to tell from a distance, but cornice interference and/or wind loading are possible culprits. Poor image quality, but there may be more debris piles along the ridgeline to the south.

I dug a pit on the SE shoulder of divide at around 9600’ and got a ECTP 14 on the persistent weak created during the long dry spell layer buried from this weeks storms.  Photo: Anonymous

I toured to the East shoulder of divide park today 

It was very windy and snow was being transported everywhere…..especially on the high peaks 

I dug a pit on the SE shoulder of divide at around 9600’ and got a ECTP 14 on the persistent weak created during the long dry spell layer buried from this weeks storms.  50cm of snow had fallen up high in the main fork of hyalite since Sunday night.  Total snow depth is 115 cm

Plumes of drifting snow in the Bridger Range as strong winds blasted the mountains. Photo: GNFAC