GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Fri Jan 23, 2015
Southern Gallatin Range Southern Madison Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Thu Jan 22, 2015
Southern Gallatin Range Southern Madison Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
This avalanche appeared to have been snowmobile triggered earlier this week maybe Monday, January 19th. This slope commonly produces avalanches. It broke on weak facets at ther ground in a steep rocky area that was wind loaded. While not a large avalanche nor a widespread problem it's a good reminder to always be prepared. Photo: GNFAC
Buried surface hoar was found on most slopes about 8 inches deep. With such a thin slab on top, it will not produce an avalanche on most slopes, BUT 2 recently reported avalanches on this layer mean it may surprise us with a few more. Photo: GNFAC
8-10" of low density snow has accumulated in upper elevation terrain of the northern Gallatin Range. Photo GNFAC
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Thu Jan 22, 2015
The northern Gallatin Range received 8-10" of low density snow over the past few days. Moderate winds out of the W-NW were transporting the new snow onto leeward slopes. This type of transport was confined to upper elevation terrain and was not a problem on lower elevation slopes. Photo GNFAC
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Wed Jan 21, 2015
Cooke City
Skiers dug this snowpit on Barronette and found the surface hoar to be unstable in tests. Photo: B. Fredlund
Skiers triggered this small avalanche on the SE flank of Barronette from 30 feet away, a sign that slopes with buried surface hoar are unstable. Photo: B. Fredlund