Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
<p>The snowpack is thin, but we are heading in the right direction, with 5-10” of new snow falling in our latest storm. <a href="https://nwcc-apps.sc.egov.usda.gov/imap/#version=169&elements=&… sites</span></a> across the forecast area report snow depths between 16 and 26 inches, with the deepest totals in the Northern Gallatin and the Southern Madison Ranges. Hitting rocks, stumps and underlying obstacles remains the most likely hazard, but yesterday’s new snow increases the odds of triggering avalanches, especially in areas where wind-drifted snow built <strong>fresh wind slabs </strong>and instability within the new snow could result in <strong>storm slab</strong> avalanches<span>.</span></p>
<p>Slopes with fresh <strong>wind slabs </strong>are the primary avalanche concern. The greater snow depths of wind-loaded slopes appeal to folks looking for early-season turns. However, these slopes are less stable and the most likely locations to encounter avalanches. Additionally, as snow drifts onto slopes, the potential size of slides increases. <span>Recent indicators of this problem include shooting cracks in Beehive Basin on Monday (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/24/shooting-cracks-upper-beehive-bas…;) and a natural wind slab avalanche in the northern Bridger Range on Sunday (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/32141"><strong><span>photos and details</span></strong></a>).</span> Increasing winds throughout the week, even without additional snow, can worsen this problem. Avoid steep slopes with signs of instability, which include recent avalanches, shooting cracks, collapsing (whumphing), stiffening of the snow surface, or visual cues of drifting.</p>
<p>Instability within or immediately below new snow may result in smaller <strong>storm slabs</strong><span> or loose snow avalanches. This problem is generally short-lived, but a quick snowpit will tell you if persistent weak layers that develop early in the season are resulting in longer-duration</span> instability.</p>
<p>Getting captured in an avalanche of <em>any </em>size is likely to result in traumatic injuries, as victims will invariably hit the underlying obstacles during a ride. Thus, avoidance should be our objective. To reduce the consequences of a mistake, carry rescue gear, practice with it and follow safe travel protocols in and around avalanche terrain. <strong>Hunters, </strong>often traveling alone and without avalanche rescue gear, should avoid steep snow-covered slopes with more than a foot of snow.</p>
