Good Morning. This is Eric Knoff with the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Advisory issued on Friday, January 5th, 2018 at 6:30 a.m. Today’s advisory is sponsored by Cooke City Super 8/Bearclaw and Alpine Orthopedics. This advisory does not apply to operating ski areas.
Cabin Creek Avalanche Accident Report
On Tuesday, January 2nd, a snowmobiler was caught and killed in an avalanche in Cabin Creek to the west of Sage Peak in the southern Madison Range. Alex and Doug investigated the slide on Wednesday. You can view a detailed report of the accident HERE.
Under mostly clear skies temperatures are in the upper 20’s to low 30’s F. Winds are blowing 5-20 mph out of the west. Today, the ridge of high pressure that currently resides over the region will begin to break down. This will produce increasing clouds and gusty ridgetop winds by this afternoon. Highs today will warm into 30’s F as the weather pattern begins to change. There is a slight chance of snow showers tonight and a better chance tomorrow. The mountains should see 1-3” by tomorrow evening.
Yesterday, no human triggered avalanches were reported in the advisory area. As the snowpack trends towards stability, it will become easier for skiers and riders to be more aggressive in their terrain selections. This increases the chance of being surprised by a large persistent slab avalanche. Facets buried 2-4’ deep are under less stress than earlier in the week, but still hold the potential to propagate a fracture (video, video, photo).
Yesterday, skiers on Cedar Mountain near Big Sky got a large collapse on an east-southeast facing slope around 9,000 ft. This is an obvious sign of instability and clear indicator that buried weak layers remain unstable in certain areas. Conditions seem to be most unstable on slopes with a thinner snowpack. A safe strategy today would be to stick to lower angle slopes and assume that all steep slopes can slide. If you do venture into avalanche terrain, make sure to dig a quick snowpit to thoroughly assess the snowpack before jumping onto steeper slopes.
Today, careful snowpack evaluation, conservative terrain selection and clear communication between group members is essential. Large human triggered avalanches remain possible and the avalanche danger is rated MODERATE.
Check out pictures that have been added to our Photos page since Monday morning documenting many avalanches.
If you get out and have any avalanche or snowpack observations to share, drop a line via our website, email (mtavalanche@gmail.com), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).
Upcoming Avalanche Education and Events
BOZEMAN
Jan. 12 and 13, Companion Rescue Clinic, Info and Register
Jan. 17, 18 and 20 or 21, Introduction to Avalanches w/ Field Day, Info and Register Here
Jan. 24, 25 and 27, Advanced Avalanche Workshop w. Field Day, Info and Register Here
Feb. 9 and 10, Companion Rescue Clinic, Info and Register
WEST YELLOWSTONE
Jan. 6, Avalanche Awareness, 7-8 p.m. at West Yellowstone Holiday Inn Conference Center
BIG TIMBER
Jan. 11, Avalanche Awareness, 6-7 p.m. at Sweet Grass County High School
BUTTE
Jan. 13, Rescue Clinic, 10 a.m. at Homestake Lodge
Dillon
Jan. 16, Avalanche Awareness, 6:30-8 p.m. at U.M. Western Library
COOKE CITY
Every Friday and Saturday, Current Conditions Update and Avalanche Rescue, Friday 6:30-7:30 p.m. at The Antler's Lodge in January. Saturday anytime between 10-2 @ Lulu Pass road.
Check out Dashboard Talks: Episode 2, a 2.5-minute video of Dave Zinn and Doug Chabot discussing how often you should practice with your rescue gear.