Northern Gallatin

We skied to Flanders Mountain, traversed the ridgeline, and dropped into the northwest-facing terrain near the Winter Dance Buttress down to the Main Fork. Ridgelines had moderate to strong winds but minimal transport as snow at upper elevations had already moved or had hardened with recent wind and warm temperatures. Wind Slabs that we assessed were stubborn to unreactive, but there is probably one out there that could result in a small avalanche. No signs of dry snow instability during the tour or in our snowpack assessments (Flanders Bowl - ECTN Teens and 20s and Near Winter Dance Buttress - ECTN Teens and 20s). Snow surfaces were warming (wetting) in south-facing terrain and on all aspects below 8000' by 3 PM. However, we did not see any natural wet snow activity. 

I would be watching out for isolated wind slab instability and wet loose avalanches for now. 

Somewhat fresh looking slab avalanche in upper Storm Castle Creek on an East facing slope. Looks like there might be a wet loose slide to the right of it as well. One small wet loose avalanche, probably from yesterday, in Maid of the Mist bowl. 

Widespread wind effect in the alpine of Hyalite yesterday. The windslabs were fairly stubborn however, and were only breaking in very small pockets, not propagating outwards. Where the recent snow was still protected from sun and wind, large dry loose slides were easy to trigger.

From obs: "Multiple natural loose avalanches in the steep terrain of mt Blackmore. All originated at the base of cliffs or trees. Counted 4 prominent ones."

Photo: M. Stern