This is Mark Staples with early season snowpack information issued Monday, October 27. Today’s information is sponsored by the Friends of the Avalanche Center. This information will be updated as conditions change.
THANK YOU
Last Friday’s Powder Blast was a huge success with a great silent auction, music, drinks and food. Montana Import Group was the title sponsor with Grizzly Outfitters, Mystery Ranch, and the Community Food Co-op providing significant support. Most importantly thank you to the Friends of the Avalanche Center for pulling it off and to all who attended and made it such a fun event.
While snow has been falling periodically since late August, little of it survived the beautiful, warm fall we’ve had so far. More snow fell in the mountains this weekend. Near Cooke City and West Yellowstone 10 inches of snow fell while the mountains near Bozeman and Big Sky got only a few inches.
There’s a good chance this weekend’s snow is here to stay and subsequent snow will form the foundation to this winter’s snowpack. How this foundation evolves will affect future stability and we’ll be watching it closely.
We typically see avalanche activity begin in October. There have been avalanches accidents and fatalities in October. If there’s enough snow to ski or ride, there’s enough snow to produce an avalanche.
To get ready for the coming season, get your avalanche rescue gear ready. See Doug’s video for how he prepares his gear each fall. Also, consider attending an upcoming avalanche class. We’re adding new classes daily, so check our Education Calendar.