This natural slab avalanche was observed off Buck Ridge in the northern Madison Range. It appears to be a wind loaded slope that was triggered by a small cornice fall from the ridge above. Photo C. Lenay
14-15
This small slab was human triggered. It only involved the new snow (4-5 inches) but was big enough to give a skier or snowboarder an unpleasent ride. Photo GNFAC
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Sat Mar 21, 2015
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
Bridger Range Madison Range Gallatin Range
Lionhead Area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Fri Mar 20, 2015
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
Bridger Range Madison Range Gallatin Range
Lionhead Area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
The snowpack is highly variable which means stability can be highly variable too. Every slope is a little different. Separate reports from Doug, Eric, and several groups of skiers show this variability.
This large chunk of snow was once perched precariously on the ridge above. As temperatures warm and cornices lose strength they will ultimately release naturally. It's a good idea to avoid slopes beneath large cornices and give them a wide distance along the ridgelines. Photo GNFAC
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Thu Mar 19, 2015
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
Bridger Range Madison Range Gallatin Range
Lionhead Area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
Good news: The snowpack experienced a good freeze last night with cold, clear skies and cool temperatures this morning.
Bad news: The snowpack only refroze near the surface and probably remains wet underneath. Strong sunshine today will restart the melting process and more wet avalanches should occur.
The snowpack around West Yellowstone is wet and isothermal. These wet loose avalanches were large and we expect more in the days ahead. Photo: J. Watt
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Wed Mar 18, 2015
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
Bridger Range Northern Madison Range Cooke City
The Bridger Range, northern Madison Range and Cooke City picked up .7-.9 inches of snow water equivalency (SWE) in the last 36 hours. The freezing line bumped between 7,000 and 9,000 feet so snowfall amounts varied, but generally five to seven inches of wet, gloppy snow fell.
We went to Bacon Rind and found two pits still perfectly visible, one from January 27! It's been a dry winter. Photo: GNFAC
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Wed Mar 18, 2015
GNFAC Avalanche Advisory for Tue Mar 17, 2015
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
Bridger Range Madison Range Gallatin Range Lionhead Area near West Yellowstone Cooke City