Northern Gallatin

Skiers reported triggering an avalanche on the east face of Mt. Blackmore on Sunday. Photo: Anonymous

Skiers reported triggering an avalanche on the east face of Mt. Blackmore on Sunday. Photo: Anonymous

On our way up the main fork we noticed a drastic increase in snow depth, and wind effect with elevation. The height of snow was around 50-70cm near 9500 ft/treeline, though we were walking anywhere below 8200 ft. As well, the effects of the wind during the week were very noticeable once near treeline, with some ENE aspects sheltering a 3-4 inch wind slab, which we also noticed in the lee of the many rocks and saplings still above the snow surface. Our pit (dug in a location without this windslab, but still loaded) showed a decently sound structure with good test results.

A separate party mentioned that they had seen the remnants of an avalanche higher in the bowl near the summer trail, but we did not go this high and did not see it ourselves.

Got into the bowl below the face of the peak and didn’t feel comfortable going any further wind slabs were present on the level surfaces around the lake with facets underneath that. Also note that snow depth was minimal to about a foot but quickly increased around the 9000ft mark to the 2-3ft range. 

From obs (10/29): "Went for a skin up to Hyalite Peak yesterday to check out snow conditions. We found about 8-12 inches of new snow sitting on a base at Hyalite Lake. We saw no signs of instability in the area. Small cornices were observed on the Hyalite saddle, and a hit or miss 1 inch wind slab directly below the ridge." Photo: T. Saulnier

Went for a skin up to Hyalite Peak yesterday to check out snow conditions. We found about 8-12 inches of new snow sitting on a base at Hyalite Lake. We saw no signs of instability in the area. Small cornices were observed on the Hyalite saddle, and a hit or miss 1 inch wind slab directly below the ridge. 

From IG: “Pine creek today, some small wind slabs and a full depth wet slide off black mountain”

From IG: “Pine creek today (10/21), some small wind slabs and a full depth wet slide off black mountain”