GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Thu Dec 18, 2014
Bridger Range
Skiers triggered multiple wind slabs like this one (6-10 inches deep) in the northern Bridger Range in Frazier Basin. Photo: Bridger Brigade
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Wed Dec 17, 2014
Bridger Range Gallatin Range Madison Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
This avalanche was triggered by a snowmobiler on 12-10-2014. The primary places to trigger an avalanche are places where you are most likely to hit rocks on steep slopes. Other slopes in the trees generally have a deeper and stronger snowpack. Photo: GNFAC
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Wed Dec 17, 2014
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Tue Dec 16, 2014
Bridger Range Northern Gallatin Range
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Mon Dec 15, 2014
Bridger Range Northern Gallatin Range
The northern Gallatin Range picked up close to a foot of new snow totaling .6 inches of SWE. The Bridger Range received close to ten inches of new snow. What’s interesting about the Bridger Range is – the top of the Alpine Lift at Bridger Bowl recorded only three inches of new snow while the top of Bridger Lift recorded ten inches. This is a great example of microclimates producing very localized snowfall amounts.
Over a foot of new snow fell in the northern Gallatin Range. This nearly doubled the snowpack in this area. Fortunately the storm came in warm and the new snow bonded well to the old snow surface. Facets near the ground were moist and unreactive in stability tests. Photo GNFAC