24-25

Natural wind slabs in N. Bridgers

Hardscrabble Peak
Bridger Range
Code
HS-N-R2-D1.5-I
Elevation
9000
Aspect
NE
Latitude
45.91510
Longitude
-110.98100
Notes

From obs: "Saw a recent cornice triggered wind slab off of Hardscrabble Peak, crown looked fairly fresh. There was a second crown line below the rock band. Conditions were very windy, with snow still being transported. Most snow surfaces were wind affected, but saw no cracking or collapsing."

Number of slides
1
Number caught
0
Number buried
0
Avalanche Type
Hard slab avalanche
Trigger
Natural trigger
R size
2
D size
1.5
Bed Surface
I - Interface between new and old snow
Problem Type
Wind Slab
Slab Thickness
12.0 inches
Slab Width
30.00ft
Images
Wind slab on Hardscrabble
Snow Observation Source
Wind slabs in the Bridgers
Slab Thickness units
inches
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Single Avalanche
Advisory Year
24-25

From obs.: "Saw a recent cornice triggered wind slab off of Hardscrabble Peak, crown looked fairly fresh. There was a second crown line below the rock band. Conditions were very windy, with snow still being transported. Most snow surfaces were wind affected, but saw no cracking or collapsing." Photo: F. Miller

Avalanche Details: Natural wind slabs in N. Bridgers
Bridger Range, 2025-02-23
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    • Cornice triggered persistent slab in Suce Creek

    Other place
    Out of Advisory Area
    Code
    NCc-R2-D2
    Latitude
    45.65530
    Longitude
    -110.55800
    Notes

    From IG story.

    Number of slides
    1
    Number caught
    0
    Number buried
    0
    Trigger
    Cornice fall
    Trigger Modifier
    c-A controlled or intentional release by the indicated trigger
    R size
    2
    D size
    2
    Images
    Poor snow stability in Absaroka
    Snow Observation Source
    Poor snow stability in Absaroka
    Slab Thickness units
    centimeters
    Single / Multiple / Red Flag
    Single Avalanche
    Advisory Year
    24-25

    Snowmobiler triggered avalanches in Taylor Fork

    Date
    Activity
    Snowmobiling

    From IG message: "We remotely triggered this hillside in Taylor's fork yesterday [2/21] from the Ridgeline above it. We were looking for a safe spot to drop down when it released below us. Circled around for some pictures. The snow was pretty shallow, only 2-3 feet deep, and slid to the ground. South facing slope"

    Region
    Southern Madison
    Location (from list)
    Taylor Fork
    Observer Name
    Tanner Beckman

    Poor Structure Up Specimen Creek

    Date
    Activity
    Snowboarding

    Found moist snow that was starting to freeze on solar's in Hyalite at 8000' Friday. Went searching for better conditions up Specimen Creek today. The snow quality was much better at similar aspects and elevations. Northerly aspects stayed dry in both zones but I was curious about the difference in the two advisory areas. Looking at temps from weather stations the southern range has been 10f to 15f degrees cooler. 

    Stability was much different as well. In Hyalite, the nsf layer that was formed in late January, looked to be rounding and didn't produce propagating results or clean shears. Up Specimen I had an ECTP15 and a CT15 Q1 on the same layer. This certainly aligns with the forecast. 

    On a ridge up Specimen, winds were moderate from the SW and shifted SE in the evening. I did find thin reactive wind slabs and cracking in fresh drifts. Wind was actively transporting on the ridge. I felt wind loaded slopes had the greatest potential to slide since sheltered slopes only had a 25cm slab over the weak layer but I  avoided avalanche terrain regardless. 

    Region
    Southern Gallatin
    Location (from list)
    Specimen Creek
    Observer Name
    Braeden Oackes

    Wind slabs in the Bridgers

    Date
    Activity
    Skiing

    Saw a recent cornice triggered wind slab off of Hardscrabble Peak, crown looked fairly fresh. There was a second crown line below the rock band. Conditions were very windy, with snow still being transported. Most snow surfaces were wind affected, but saw no cracking or collapsing. 

    Region
    Bridger Range
    Location (from list)
    Hardscrabble Peak
    Observer Name
    Florence Miller
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