19-20

<p>New snow, wind, and avalanche activity was the story this week. We observed and received reports of new snow avalanches and wind slabs releasing in the Bridger and Northern Gallatin Ranges (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/cracking-drifts-bridger">Photo 1</a>, <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/avalanche-ridge-north-bridger-bow… 2</a>, <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/wind-slabs-hyalite-canyon">Photo 3</a></strong>). Instabilities from the last storm will be harder to find, but with 1-5” of snow last night (0.1-0.3” SWE) and winds forecast to increase again on Saturday, we expect to see an uptick in activity this weekend. Yesterday, we were pleasantly surprised by the limited effects of this week’s cold temperatures on the snowpack structure thus far (<strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax71pslomlE&amp;list=PLXu5151nmAvSbcbVf…;). While we found generally stable structures in our pits this week, we have limited information this time of year. Skiers near the Hourglass north of Bridger Bowl were surprised yesterday when their Extended Column Test propagated a failure indicating instability (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/wolverine-profile-31-oct">Snowpit…;). This weekend, examine how the new snow is bonding to the old surface, avoid recently wind loaded slopes, and, given the consequences of the Halloween tricks, do your homework before looking for your treats.</p>

<p>Yesterday before we went on our tour, the forecasting team pulled first aid, repair, and survival equipment from our packs to share ideas and check its condition. Watch the <strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYOaXqIv50M&amp;list=PLXu5151nmAvSbcbVf…; of Ian running us through a check of our avalanche rescue equipment. It is time to go through pre-season gear checks with your partners and plan your avalanche education for the year (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/workshops/calendar">Education Calendar</a></strong>). &nbsp;</p>

<p>We are preparing for winter, setting up weather stations and collecting snowpack information. If you have avalanche, snowpack or weather observations to share, please submit them via our <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/add/snow_observation"><strong>website<…;, email (<a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com"><strong>mtavalanche@gmail.com</strong></a…;), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>