22-23
We saw a natural avalanche near Bacon Rind into the Gallatin River. Photo: GNFAC
Natural Avalanche Gallatin River near Bacon Rind
We saw a natural avalanche that likely failed this morning near the Gallatin River across from Bacon Rind.
Natural Avalanches Tepee Basin
We saw two natural avalanches with a brief period of better visibility. Both appeared to release within the new snow or at the interface. 1-3 feet deep. The large appeared to run about 500' vertical.
Lots of snow and a few natural avalanches
We rode into Tepee Basin. There was 1-2 feet of new snow with a few inches falling during the day. In a brief period of clearer skies we saw two natural avalanches on the steep slopes above the basin. Neither was huge, R2-D2. One ran about 500', both looked to be 1-3' deep. We saw another natural avalanche near Bacon Rind into the Gallatin River.
The avalanche warning was certainly justified. We did not go near any steep terrain. Dug one pit and measured 1.8" SWE in the storm snow. ECTP 20 about 2 feet deep and an ECTP23 failed on the basal facets. We would plan to avoid steep slopes and runout zones for a while waiting for things to stabilize.
Small slide in bounds at Bridger Bowl
Small slide during active loading event on Wednesday. Not enough to bury anyone but ran pretty quickly through chute below. In bounds in at Bridger Bowl. No injuries.
Happened at 11:15 am, snowed a few more inches, probably gonna be some more consequential slides in Bridger range today and tomorrow.
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Wed Mar 15, 2023
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>It is still snowing and blowing and the backcountry is dangerous today. At 6 a.m., more than a foot of dense snow has fallen (.9-1.5” </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://snow.wyo.gov/snow-surveys/snow-water-equivalent-swe"><span><span… water equivalent</span></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span>) in Taylor Fork, Lionhead, and Cooke City, and winds are exceeding 60 mph from the southwest. In the last 48 hours 1.5 to 2+ feet of snow has fallen. We were seeing </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.mtavalanche.com/weather/wx-avalanche-log"><span><span><span>…, deep avalanches leading up to this storm</span></span></u></span></strong></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span> and I have no doubt that more slopes will avalanche today. Today is a day to be extremely cautious. Staying off steep slopes is obvious, yet staying clear of runout zones is less so, especially with poor visibility. Flat terrain under a steep slope (runout zone) is dangerous because not only can a slide be triggered from here, but burials are not uncommon. Many people have been buried and killed while traveling in seemingly safe runout zones. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The avalanche danger is rated HIGH on all slopes. Avalanches are likely. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Winds are very strong with gusts over 60 mph. It is blowing from the southwest, but swirling at all elevations making it difficult to tell precisely where the loading is. Ian and I were on Buck Ridge and rode towards Cedar Mtn yesterday (</span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://youtu.be/5P0-B8ATr70"><span><span><span><strong><span><u><span>…;), and Dave was in Beehive and Bear Basin the day before (</span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://youtu.be/nSi90vR6ayI"><span><span><span><strong><span><u><span>…;). In both instances we were concerned with slabs of windblown snow breaking. It has not started snowing yet (7 a.m.), but if it does the danger will rise. Large avalanches are being triggered with little load throughout our forecast area. During and immediately after a snowstorm is the most likely time to trigger slides. For today, triggering slides is possible, especially on slopes with wind-drifts. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The avalanche danger is rated MODERATE on all slopes, but could rise to CONSIDERABLE if more than a few inches of snow falls this morning</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Bridger Range received a couple inches of ball-bearing, graupel snow yesterday morning while it rained at lower elevations. Wind is light compared to the rest of our advisory area. It is averaging 10 mph with gusts of 30 from the west to southwest and wind-loading will be minimal. A large avalanche in the Fairy Lake area on Sunday is evidence that the Bridger Range is not immune to deep and deadly slides (</span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.mtavalanche.com/node/28631"><span><span><span><strong><span>… and photos</span></span></u></span></strong></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span>). A couple inches of snow yesterday will keep us on our toes. Search for wind slabs, which may crack in front of you, be careful around cornices and don’t forget that large avalanches are not out of the question. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The avalanche danger is rated MODERATE on all slopes.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
Upcoming Avalanche Education and Events
Our education calendar is full of awareness lectures and field courses. Check it out: Events and Education Calendar.
Weather and Avalanche Log for Wed Mar 15, 2023
AVALANCHE WARNING: S. Madison, S. Gallatin, Lionhead, Centennials, Cooke City
Windy and no avalanches
Rode out Buck Ridge through 2nd & 3rd Yellowmules, McAtee Basin, and then out to Cedar Mtn. Saw no avalanches or signs of instability (no cracking, no collapsing). There were a few inches of new snow (2-4") that had been blown around by very strong winds. Fresh wind drifts had formed overnight on the trail and in spots our tracks were blown in by the time we were headed back out. The chief avalanche concern today was avalanches breaking in wind drifts. The possibility of triggering a slab breaking deep in the snowpack was a secondary concern.
With snow and wind on the way tonight and through tomorrow, avalanches in the new snow and deep in the snowpack will both be more likely tomorrow. Expect an elevated danger. The details will depend on the amount of snow and wind, so make sure to check the forecast in the morning.