Northern Gallatin

Skiers on 12/21 saw 2 old avalanches while skiing in the Divide Peak Cirque. These avalanches likely happened near the end of the last storm cycle, 12/9. 

From obs: "Saw evidence of two natural avalanches on southwest aspects (see photos). The age of these slides was hard to gauge based on our lack of recent snow."

Toured into Divide Basin yesterday (12/21). Saw evidence of two natural avalanches on southwest aspects (see photos). The age of these slides was hard to gauge based on our lack of recent snow. I toured to a south aspect adjacent to the south face of Divide Peak and dug a quick pit. Snow was ~65 cm deep. I did an ECT and got an ECTP3 failing on a facet layer overlaying a finger hard crust 31 cm down. Below the crust was fist hard facets to the ground. 

I decided to check out some other aspects in the basin. On the majority of shady aspects I found a uniformly weak snowpack and frequently sunk in facets to above my knees while touring. On aspects with supportable snow I experienced frequent and widespread collapsing.

Pretty sure that’s an avalanche. Thought it might be goat tracks or something but you can see were some debris went through the slope below the cliff. The left side looks like it could’ve gone recently, but I couldn’t really tell. 

Roller balls in Hyalite at 8000'. Photo: M. Zia

Roller balls even on NE slopes around noon. Roughly 8000’ up Hyalite. Yuck. It’s hot. 

Skiers on 12/17 saw cracking while touring in Beehive Basin. Photo: E. Webb