Photos

Alex Marienthal found unstable snow in Beehive at 8,700' on a SE facing slope. Test scores were ECTP 12, 5, V. All breaks were on the large facets in the middle of the snowpack. We also had lots of whumpfs, which is the snow collapsing under our body weight, and a very bad sign. 

From IG: Natural activity in Beehive Basin

From IG: "Natural activity in Beehive Basin"

A recent skier triggered avalanche at Bridger Bowl in Lower Super couloir.

Riders in Taylor Fork saw natural avalanches on Saturday, 12/9 Photo: W. Sanzone

Riders in Taylor Fork saw natural avalanches on Saturday, 12/9 Photo: W. Sanzone

Skiers saw widespread cracking while skiing on 12/09. Photo: C. Von Avis

From obs: "Several small whoomphs were observed in the shallower, bushy snow at lower elevations, and we had a massive (~100-foot propagation) whoomph on the ridge proper where the cornice met the ridge. Accompanying those whoomphs, we observed shooting cracks at multiple low-angle locations." Photo: J. Krause

From IG on 12/10: "2 slides we triggered remotely in tepee yesterday"

From obs: "Felt wumphs every few steps and had around 30 foot shooting cracks in meadows and on ridgelines."

From obs: "Windier then I expected today at me d elevations adjacent to Bridger ... Photos show lots of wind transport during the day. Felt a few collapses while skinning."

From obs: "Windier then I expected today at me d elevations adjacent to Bridger ... Photos show lots of wind transport during the day. Felt a few collapses while skinning."

From email: "Observed a fresh slab avalanche on Mt. Henderson this morning.  E, SE aspect, 9,900'... would estimate the size of the crown to be 2-4' deep and about 80' wide... Likely a natural avalanche (from about 36 hrs ago), but there were fresh sled tracks in the vicinity from yesterday, so possibly a remote trigger." Photo: B. Fredlund

Big Sky Ski Patrol intentionally ski cut an avalanche breaking on the weak snow near the ground during avalanche mitigation work on 12/8/23.

From email: "[An avalanche] released on a ski cut, breaking on facets above a basal crust, easterly aspect, just below tree line."

Photo: BSSP

From email:

"While grooming the xc trails in Beaver Creek drainage last night, I observed extensive cracking and collapsing in the 12"+ of new snow.  Essentially every slope above the trail would fail as I approached them, some breaking up to 30' away.  I know it's not a good sign but was cool to watch.  

7,5k'-7,9k' mostly North facing aspect.  

Yesterday's addition here was right side up with the initial snow coming in very wet and heavy, while ending in a light fluffy topping which is now getting blown around.  Additional trace overnight and currently snowing again at 8am. " Photo: J. Gerardi

From email:

"While grooming the xc trails in Beaver Creek drainage last night, I observed extensive cracking and collapsing in the 12"+ of new snow.  Essentially every slope above the trail would fail as I approached them, some breaking up to 30' away.  I know it's not a good sign but was cool to watch.  

7,5k'-7,9k' mostly North facing aspect.  

Yesterday's addition here was right side up with the initial snow coming in very wet and heavy, while ending in a light fluffy topping which is now getting blown around.  Additional trace overnight and currently snowing again at 8am. " Photo: J. Gerardi

From facebook message: "North facing slope 15 miles south of west Yellowstone probably 30ish degree slope. Probably 16-18 inch slab". Photo: T. Taubman

From obs: "Dug into the hillside right before going up the creek. Snow pack was 75 cm deep consisting of three layers. Bottom 35cm is obviously faceted, grain size is around 2mm. Very thin ice crust at around 35cm. Upper 35 cm of snow is brand new snow from this current storm, precipitation particles, low density, with minor wind effect. Performed a quick Compression Test and the ice crust layer failed on the second tap." Photo: S. Gralla

From obs: 

"On descent this new snow was touchy, and we observed 2 natural avalanches, max depth 15 cm, on the small end of size 1, F hardness, running less than 30-50m exclusively in new snow. (SS-N-R1D1-N)"

From obs: 

"On descent this new snow was touchy, and we observed 2 natural avalanches, max depth 15 cm, on the small end of size 1, F hardness, running less than 30-50m exclusively in new snow. (SS-N-R1D1-N)"