14-15
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Tue Jan 20, 2015
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
Cooke City
This photo accompanies an article Doug Chabot wrote titled, "Sidecountry: Rated R" in the January issue of Carve (http://www.mtavalanche.com/blog/sidecountry-rated-r). Photo: GNFAC
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Mon Jan 19, 2015
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
Cooke City
Cooke City is a snow magnet. Over the past three days Fisher Creek Snotel site has recorded over a foot of snow totaling 1.7 inches of SWE (snow water equivalent). This new snow has provided plenty of ammunition for transport and wind slab development.
Upper elevation slopes leeward to west-southwest winds will be likely locations to encounter wind-drifted snow. With temperatures on the warm side, newly created wind-slabs will be stiff and stubborn. Although not hair trigger, recently formed wind slabs will likely fail under the weight of a skier or rider.
Doug Chabot finds a layer of surface hoar about 4-5 inches under the snow surface in Bacon Rind. This layer formed last Wednesday (Jan 14) and got buried over the weekend. It is now preserved and will be a future problem. Photo: GNFAC
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Sun Jan 18, 2015
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
Cooke City Southern Madison Range Southern Gallatin Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone