Northern Gallatin

Just a little more than 4-7” snow in Hyalite this morning

I skied at Lick Creek area and there’s 18-24” and still dumping

Low density
In the meadows I skied (not the Main meadow - too far to break trail ) snow is on pretty firm melt / freeze crust. Heard a few whumps skinning up

We broke trail into Mt Ellis in 12-14" of new snow (8% density). At the ridgeline east wind was just starting to pick up. The new snow was also beginning to form a cohesive slab. We had no whumpfing and only minimal cracking, but with new snow and wind we decided to stay out of avalanche terrain. The snowpit structure is weak and I sunk to the ground when I stepped out of my skis. A stability test showed poor stability (ECTP2) underneath the new snow which confirmed our assessment. We skied good snow on low-angled slopes back to the car.

I sunk to the ground on Mt Ellis when I stepped out of my skis. A poor, unsupportable structure is not everywhere, but it certainly was on the ridge. Photo: GNFAC

Yesterday we toured around Alex Lowe Peak. We conducted a quick stability test on a northern aspect at the base of the peak. The result was an ECTN 13 @15cm. After the test we gave the column a few more hits (~ECTN 33) and it broke 70cm. Although it took some effort the shear was very clean. We ascended up the East face of Alex Lowe and observed isolated fractures of the top layer, about 20cm in depth, while cutting the skin track (see photo). While descending the North face the top layer sluffed readily, especially in wind loaded pockets, but no propagation was noted. During our exit at around 4pm we noticed significant wet loose releases on southern aspects (see photo). 

"Found widespread surface hoar up storm castle creek on all sheltered slopes above 7500’." Photo: JR Mooney 

Found widespread surface hoar up storm castle creek on all sheltered slopes above 7500’