This is Mark Staples with early season snowpack information issued Wednesday, November 6 at 10:30 a.m. Today’s information is sponsored by Montana Import Group in partnership with the Friends of the Avalanche Center. This information will be updated as conditions change.
The snow keeps coming. Overnight another 6 inches of snow fell in the Bridger Range and near Cooke City. Most other areas got 2-4 inches. Winds increased in the mountains near Bozeman and Big Sky averaging about 20 mph gusting 30-40 mph from the west. Near Cooke City and West Yellowstone winds were blowing 10-15 mph. Southwest winds will really get cranking Thursday morning as a trough of low pressure approaches the advisory area. More snow will fall Thursday and Thursday night.
As skies cleared yesterday, natural avalanches were observed in the Northern Bridger Range (photo) and at the Yellowstone Club near Big Sky (photo1, photo2). Avalanches in the northern Bridger Range were mostly occurring on northerly aspects, and the avalanche crowns were rapidly reloaded with wind-blown snow.
New snow, strong winds, and weak facets buried in the snowpack make a great combination for avalanches. We have limited data on faceted layers in the snowpack, so let’s stick to what we know. Snow has been falling, winds have been blowing, and natural avalanches have occurred. Each of these is a clear warning sign from Mother Nature.
Riding in avalanche terrain will require several snowpits to assess the strength of layers near the ground and a keen eye to avoid fresh wind slabs. Unfortunately we’re all a bit rusty with both our stability assessments and our avalanche rescue skills. If you get out, consider practicing both and riding some low angle powder.
Doug will issue updated avalanche information Friday morning.
1-Hour Avalanche Awareness Classes
HELENA, November 13, 6:30 p.m. at the Basecamp.
BOZEMAN, November 19, 6:30 p.m. at REI
BIG TIMBER, November 19, 7 p.m. at Big Timber High School
BILLINGS, November 20, 6 p.m. at Basecamp
BIG SKY, November 20, 7 p.m. at Grizzly Outfitters
Go to our EDUCATION CALENDAR for details and more courses.
Intro to Avalanches w/ Field Course, MSU; 4, 5 and 7 December
Info and registration: https://www.ticketriver.com/event/7112
Snowmobiler Intro to Avalanches w/ Field Course, West Yellowstone: 19 and 20 December
Info and registration: https://www.ticketriver.com/event/7116