19-20

<p>The expected snow and wind in the next 4 days will increase the chances of triggering an avalanche. Slopes that are dirt today will not become dangerous with the new snow, but slopes above 8000’ harboring older snow will have the potential to slide. These upper elevation slopes have 3-6” on the ground in the northern areas and 6-10” in the south and even deeper in wind drifted terrain. The new snow may not bond well to the old snow surface so be vigilant: dig down to test the interface and be on the lookout for obvious signs of instability like recent avalanche activity and cracking and collapsing. These are bulls-eye information that the snow is unstable, and a warning to avoid steep slopes.</p>

<p>Slopes with dense, wind-loaded snow are inviting to ski and easy to ascend on skins or foot (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/wind-scouring-and-loading-near-fa…;), however, freshly formed drifts will also be the most susceptible to avalanche. In October of 2017, a skier died in the southern Madison Range when a small wind-loaded slope avalanched as she was skinning uphill (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/accident/17/10/12">report</a></strong&gt;). Both she and her partner were caught. Snowpack conditions this weekend may be similar. No matter if you are traveling on foot, snowshoes or skis, travel one at a time in avalanche terrain.</p>

<p><strong><u>Hunters</u></strong> are not immune to avalanches. Typically they are solo and do not carrying rescue gear so avoiding avalanche terrain is their only defense.</p>

<p><strong><u>Ice climbers</u></strong> are also susceptible to triggering avalanches since they are typically at high elevations, on foot and in steep, exposed terrain where even a tiny avalanche can knock them off a cliff.</p>

<p>Finally, <strong><u>skiers</u></strong> should treat the early season with the same respect as they do mid-season. Helmets are a good idea with a thin snowpack, and standard rescue gear (beacon, shovel and probe) should always be carried.</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 <u><strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/add/snow_observation">website</a></str…;, email (<u><strong><a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com">mtavalanche@gmail.com</a></strong></u&gt;), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>