AVALANCHE WARNING
The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center is issuing a backcountry avalanche warning for the mountains around Cooke City, the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone, and the Centennial Mountains outside Island Park. The snowpack is weak and unstable and the recent snowfall and strong wind are creating very dangerous avalanche conditions. The danger is rated HIGH on all slopes. Human-triggered and natural avalanches are likely. Backcountry travelers should stay off of steep slopes and stay away from the bottom of steep slopes. Avalanches can be triggered from flat terrain. Steep slopes can avalanche far above and run into lower-angled terrain.
This warning will expire or be updated by 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2024.
Avalanche Warning
If you venture out, please fill an observation form. It does not need to be technical. Did you see any avalanches? How much snow is on the ground? Was the wind moving snow? Simple observations are incredibly valuable. You can also contact us via email (mtavalanche@gmail.com), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).
Here’s a quick read, The Invisible Hands of Avalanche Work, an interview with GNFAC forecaster, Doug Chabot.