45.8305, -110.9307, 7840’, NW aspect, 23°
ECTN3 failing on 3cm layer of 2mm buried facets at the ground. HS 65cm.
SE aspect hand pit has much more favorable conditions due to the lack of faceted old snow. Snow near the ground was still moist.
Toured up to the top of PK this morning to check out the fresh snow and see if we could eek out some early season turns. Cold temps to start the day with some light to moderate wind out of the NW and evidence that the wind was certainly blowing snow around during the storm over the past 24 hours or so. Did not see any significantly developed slabs in a multitude of hand pits at mid elevations, but noticed a relatively consistent 2-4 inch denser layer (from the wind) on top of the softer snow below.
<p>This week’s storm changed the avalanche picture. Backcountry travelers will find a layered snowpack capable of producing avalanches across the forecast area in most mid to upper-elevation terrain. Storm totals since Saturday in the mountains around Bozeman and Big Sky are 20-24” (1.3-1.8” of <a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/#snow-water-equivalent-swe… water equivalent-SWE</span></a>), with 10-14” near West Yellowstone and Island Park (1.1-1.4” SWE) and 7” (0.7” SWE) in Cooke City. Visit our <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/weather/wx-avalanche-log"><strong><span>wea… log</span></strong></a> for a daily breakdown. As Alex discussed in a short <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv-xejsRWkg"><strong><span>video</span>…;, the snow on the ground is likely the foundation of this season’s snowpack.</p>
<p>Expect and prepare for avalanches within the new and wind-drifted snow. Slides will be likely at the tail end of this week’s storm, especially around Bozeman and Big Sky, where the most snow fell and winds gusted 40-60 mph. Without additional loading, stability will improve throughout the week. However, uncertainty is high this time of year as we learn the specifics of a new snowpack. Employ an information-gathering mindset and a healthy distrust for steep snow-covered slopes. Signs of instability, such as recent avalanche activity, shooting cracks and collapsing, are red flags and reasons to avoid avalanche terrain. Dig a quick snowpit to assess for instability when obvious signs are not present.</p>
<p>Early season avalanches on the Sphinx last weekend (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/32052"><strong><span>photos and details</span></strong></a>), outside the advisory area on Emigrant Peak on Monday (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/32047"><strong><span>photo and details</span></strong></a>), along with an observation of signs of instability on Mount Blackmore from Saturday (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/32041"><strong><span>observation</span…;) are clear indicators that avalanche season is here. Whether hunting, skiing, riding, climbing or sledding, if you cross a steep slope where snow is deep enough to cover the grass and rocks, you may be able to trigger a slide. Carry rescue gear (beacon, shovel and probe) and follow safe travel procedures in and around avalanche terrain.</p>
<p>Public observations are incredibly valuable as we develop a picture of the season's snowpack. Please contribute to our community’s knowledge by <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/add/snow_obs"><strong><span>submitting your observations</span></strong></a>, and look through our <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/snow-observations-list"><strong><span>obser… page</span></strong></a> for additional information before your next backcountry adventure.</p>
Our education calendar is full of awareness lectures and field courses. Check it out: Events and Education Calendar
Wednesday, November 13, 4-8 p.m., Montana State University Snow and Avalanche Workshop. Open to the public.
Photo: S. Bonucci
From obs.: "Triggered a small wind slab: -9600' -N aspect on the NW ridge of Sphinx Mountain -Strong SW wind
-Noticed oth er small crowns, likely triggered from another party traversing the north-facing bowl at similar elevations" Photo: S. Bonucci
Triggered a small wind slab:
-9600'
-N aspect on the NW ridge of Sphinx Mountain
-Strong SW wind
-Noticed other small crowns, likely triggered from another party traversing the north-facing bowl at similar elevations
