Good morning. This is Eric Knoff with early season weather and avalanche information for the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center on Wednesday, November 1st at 3:00 p.m. This bulletin is sponsored by The Friends of the Avalanche Center and Grizzly Outfitters. Alex will issue the next advisory Friday Morning.
A cold, wet weather system is currently impacting the northern ranges of the forecast area including Cooke City. Over the past twelve hours, the Bridger Range, northern Gallatin Range and mountains around Cooke City have picked up over a foot of new snow totaling more than 1” of SWE. The snowline is well defined and the mountains south of Bozeman have remained mostly dry with the exception of Big Sky which has picked up 1-2”. At 2 p.m. it’s still snowing in the mountains around Bozeman and Cooke City where another 4-6” will likely accumulate by this evening. Currently, temps are in the mid-20s to low 30s F and winds are blowing 20-40 mph out of the W-SW. Snow gradually tapers off this evening and Thursday looks to be mostly dry. This break will be short lived however as another system arrives Thursday night and Friday.
The first official day of winter is still seven weeks away, but Mother Nature doesn’t seem to care. As snow amounts continue to rise, so will the enthusiasm to hit the backcountry. If you are getting out, keep in mind there are plenty of hazards lurking in the backcountry. As we know from the tragic event earlier this season (accident report), it does not take a large slide to create severe consequences. In fact, avalanches can be exceptionally dangerous early season due to the likelihood of impacting trees, rocks and other immovable objects.
Over the next few days, the primary avalanche concern will be wind loaded slopes. Moderate to strong winds out the west-southwest will form meaty slabs below ridgelines or cross loaded terrain features. These slabs will likely be touchy to human triggers and all wind loaded slopes should be approached with caution. While wind slabs are the main problem, non-wind loaded slopes also hold the potential to produce avalanches. The new snow is falling on a variety of old snow surfaces, some of which could produce unstable conditions (photo, video). Pay close attention to signs of instability such cracking/collapsing and carefully assess each slope before committing to steep terrain.
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).
New Avalanche Education Video
Check it out! The Friends of the Avalanche Center present the first of 4 short films promoting avalanche education. Ben Goertzen explains why that's important to get avalanche education: http://bit.ly/2gTOCon
UPCOMING EVENTS AND EDUCATION
Billings
7 November, Avalanche Awareness, 6-7:30 p.m. at Basecamp, Billings
BUTTE
17 November, Avalanche Awareness, 6-7:30 p.m., Butte, MT
HELENA
7 November, Avalanche Awareness, 6-7:30 p.m. at Carroll College, Helena
18 November, Avalanche Awareness and Beacon Practice for Snowmobiles, 9 a.m. at Montana Boat Center, Helena
7 December, Avalanche Awareness, 6-7:30 p.m. at Basecamp, Helena
BOZEMAN
1 November, Avalanche Awareness, 6-7:30 p.m. at REI Bozeman
6 December, Avalanche Awareness, 6-7:30 p.m. at REI Bozeman
7 December, Avalanche Awareness and Beacon Practice, 6-8 p.m. at Beall Park, Bozeman
Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 2, 3 or 9, Introduction to Avalanches w/ Field Day, Info and Register Here
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
COOKE CITY
24 and 25 November, Current Conditions and Avalanche Rescue, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Friday and anytime between 10-2 on Saturday.