19-20

<p>Over the weekend we received reports from Cooke City of multiple snowmobile triggered avalanches, including one very close call (<u><strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/21222">photos and details</a></strong></u>), and a few natural avalanches (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/natural-slab-avalanche-near-silve…;, <strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/sites/default/files/styles/very_large_1200w…;). Last week the mountains near Cooke City received 2 feet of snow equal to 2.5” of <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/or/snow/?cid=nrcs142p2… water equivalent</a> (SWE) on top of buried weak layers (<u><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/LGgBEFTzlN4">video</a></strong></u><strong&gt;, <u><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/scotch-bonnet-snowpack">photo</a>…;). This combination created an unstable snowpack which resulted in large avalanches. The last few days without snow gave the snowpack time to gain stability. The chances of triggering a large avalanche have decreased, but it remains possible with high consequences. Steep slopes should only be approached with extra caution and very careful snowpack assessment. Today avalanche danger is <strong>MODERATE</strong>.</p>

<p>The snowpack near West Yellowstone and Big Sky has multiple buried weak layers that make large avalanches possible to trigger. Sugary snow on the ground creates a weak foundation for the snowpack, and a thin layer of surface hoar buried 1-2’ deep contributes to instability (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/sites/default/files/styles/very_large_1200w…;). Last week we visited Buck Ridge (<u><strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo5H0T434XA&amp;list=PLXu5151nmAvSbcbVf…;), Taylor Fork (<u><strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvpDqZDLTto&amp;list=PLXu5151nmAvSbcbVf…;) and Lionhead (<u><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/VwdWKoEfnxE">video</a></strong></u&gt;) where we found this poor snowpack structure and saw natural and snowmobile triggered avalanches. Yesterday in Taylor Fork riders saw similar recent slides (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/sites/default/files/styles/very_large_1200w…;, <strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/sites/default/files/styles/very_large_1200w…;

<p>The chances of triggering large avalanches on these weak layers are decreasing, but it remains possible with high consequences. Only approach steep slopes after very careful snowpack and terrain assessment. Large avalanches are possible to trigger and danger is <strong>MODERATE</strong>.</p>

<p>The Bridger Range and Hyalite got 4-6” of low density snow (.4” SWE) the last couple days. Today moderate to strong wind will create fresh drifts that are possible to trigger. These drifts are found near ridgelines and along edges of steep gullies (<u><strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfZRSXzS3CI&amp;list=PLXu5151nmAvSbcbVf…;). Watch for cracking of the snow surface as a sign these drifts are unstable and should be avoided. Look for non wind-loaded terrain to ride, and reduce the consequences of even a small slide by avoiding slopes above trees, rocks or cliffs.</p>

<p>Yesterday we toured on the Ramp north of Bridger Bowl and found a mostly stable snowpack without weak layers breaking in our stability tests. In the mountains near Bozeman the snowpack has some buried weak layers (<u><strong><a href="https://youtu.be/g4BPe7ydpEU">video</a></strong></u&gt;), but these layers are not widespread and have not produced recent avalanches. Avalanches deeper than the new snow are unlikely, but it is still important to diligently assess the snowpack before riding each slope. Today fresh wind slabs are possible to trigger. Danger is <strong>MODERATE</strong> on wind loaded slopes and <strong>LOW</strong> on all other slopes.</p>

<p>If you get out, please send us your observations no matter how brief. You can fill out an&nbsp;<u><strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/add/snow_observation">observation form</a></strong></u>, email us (<u><strong><a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com">mtavalanche@gmail.com</a></strong></u&gt;), leave a VM at 406-587-6984, or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>