21-22

2 small slides in Upper Teepe Basin, Snomo triggered

Date
Activity
Snowmobiling

18 inches of new snow from last week slid on top of crust layer.  The slide on the left was triggered by an uphill snowmobile hill climber, the slide on the right occurred when snowmobile  turned out of a hill climb and his track broke through the crust layer causing everything with in his up and downhill track to slide.

Region
Southern Madison
Location (from list)
Tepee Basin
Observer Name
Tim Campbell

Small avalanche in YNP

Pebble Creek - YNP
Cooke City
Code
SS-N
Latitude
45.02540
Longitude
-110.03100
Notes

Small natural avalanche in Yellowstone National Park, near Cooke City. Observed on 2/23/22. Exact timing of the slide in unknown.

Number of slides
1
Number caught
0
Number buried
0
Avalanche Type
Soft slab avalanche
Trigger
Natural trigger
Images
Small avalanche near Cooke City
Slab Thickness units
centimeters
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Single Avalanche
Advisory Year
21-22

Throne

Date
Activity
Skiing

Skied the Throne, the wind was starting to move the snow by noon and build slabs, which were touchy, but small and isolated, so we were able get past that. We did find the sloughing of loose snow at the roll-over to be pretty significant, and had to proceed with caution so as not to get too much moving. The cold, old snow doesn't want to stick to anything, and certainly won't hold a load if it get's a slab on it. 

Region
Bridger Range
Location (from list)
The Throne
Observer Name
Packy

GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Fri Feb 25, 2022

Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion

<p>Near Cooke City, there are weak layers buried a couple feet deep and you could still trigger a large avalanche. Over the last week there have been avalanches on these weak layers, including a fatal avalanche last Saturday on Miller Mountain (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/25906"><strong><u>Miller Mountain</u></strong></a>, <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/25941"><strong><u>Mount Abundance</u></strong></a>, <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/25937"><strong><u>Round Lake</u></strong></a>). It is getting more difficult to trigger avalanches on these layers, but the weak layers are widespread and recent collapsing, cracking and poor stability test scores show they have not gone completely dormant yet. With the possibility of triggering large avalanches today - don’t let your guard down. Always carry rescue gear, go one at a time on steep slopes, and keep an eye on your partners so you’re ready to respond if something goes wrong. The avalanche danger is rated MODERATE.</p>

<p>Triggering large avalanches is unlikely in the mountains around Bozeman, Big Sky, and West Yellowstone. Still, keep an eye out for pockets of wind-drifted snow, as these are places you’re most likely to be surprised. Winds were out of the east earlier this week and will increase from the west this afternoon, so you could find drifts on just about any slope. Check to make sure any wind drifts you find are well bonded before riding steep slopes. It is also worth keeping in mind the weak, faceted snow in the top 18” of the snowpack. We haven’t seen many avalanches on these weak layers yet, but there may still be lingering spots where you could get unlucky and trigger a slide. Rescue gear, reliable partners, and safe travel practices are very worthwhile insurance in case you do find an isolated instability. Today, the avalanche danger is rated LOW.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If you get out, please send us your observations no matter how brief. You can submit them via our <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/add/snow_observation"><strong><u>websi…;, email (<a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com"><strong><u>mtavalanche@gmail.com</u></str…;), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>

Upcoming Education Opportunities

See our education calendar for an up-to-date list of all local classes. Here are a few select upcoming events.

March 4, Companion Rescue Clinic with the Bozeman Splitfest. Information and registration HERE.

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