19-20

<p>Winter arrived&nbsp;about a month ago, and has&nbsp;shown little sign&nbsp;of letting autumn get a word in. Settled snow depth in the mountains is 1-3 feet which provides sufficient coverage for early season skiing. However, this snow creates heightened early season avalanche hazard. This weekend, whether you ski, climb or hunt, it is essential to carefully choose terrain and diligently assess the snowpack.</p>

<p>Yesterday I went to Bridger to be reminded which parts of my gear broke before it was neglected for summer. I also got a look at the snow which was impressively deep and supportive for this time of year (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/bridger-snowpack-oct-23">photo</a…;). The snowpack story might change as cold temperatures turn snow into unsupportive, weak sugary facets, but for now the main avalanche hazard is from new snow and wind. Instabilities created by new snow and wind are most widespread during and immediately following storms, so this weekend avalanches are to be expected&nbsp;with the forecasted new snow and moderate wind.</p>

<p>Avoid steep slopes with fresh drifts of snow. Stay alert for signs of instability such as recent avalanche activity or cracking/collapsing of the snowpack. Either of these are a clear warning to avoid steep slopes. If you plan to ride any steep slopes, dig to the ground (it won’t take long) and check for weak layers that might break under the new snow.</p>

<p>Hunters, or anyone traveling alone or without avalanche rescue gear, should avoid avalanche terrain entirely (&gt;30 degree snow covered slopes). Last week ice climbers in Hyalite triggered a small slide as they approached a climb (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/sites/default/files/snow_obs/2019-10/IMG_20…;). Even small steep slopes can be deadly if an avalanche piles snow deep in a gully or pushes you into rocks or over cliffs. Regardless of your activity or terrain selection, it is best practice is to bring a partner, travel one at a time, and carry standard avalanche rescue gear (beacon, shovel, and probe on each person).</p>

<p>We are preparing for winter, setting up weather stations and beginning to collect 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>

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