Wind slab avalanches 4-18” deep are still possible. Drifts were deposited on weak snow on many slopes, so they may remain unstable for longer than usual. Dry loose avalanches are possible where the snow surface has become a thick layer of sugary, weak facets. Avoid drifts on steep slopes, and lookout for dry loose slides composed of weak, sugary snow, especially where being knocked off your feet would have high consequences.
Wind slabs are mostly located at upper elevations near prominent ridgelines, but keep an eye out for drifts at all elevations, especially on steep slopes where a small slide would have large consequences.
Today wind slab avalanches and dry loose “facet-sluffs” can be triggered by a skier or rider, although both have generally small potential size and neither are widespread. These probably won’t be large enough to bury a person deeply, but could pile up deeper in a steep gully, and a small avalanche could easily knock you over and carry you down a steep slope, into trees, or over cliffs.
Wind slab avalanches 4-18” deep are still possible where the most snow fell over the last week. These slabs were deposited on weak snow on many slopes, so they may remain unstable for longer than usual, and could break relatively wide even if only a few inches deep.
The mountains near Cooke City, Bozeman, and Big Sky received the most snow last week with 4-6” last Sunday, and 4-7” from Wednesday to Saturday, while 0-2” fell near West Yellowstone and Island Park. Over the weekend in Cooke City, I had a couple 6-12” deep drifts crack on small slopes (video), and saw small natural wind slabs the last two days (observation, observation). On Saturday we received reports from near Big Sky and Bozeman of similar unstable wind slabs (Beehive obs., Mt. Blackmore obs., Buck Ridge wind slab).
Wind slab avalanches are unlikely where less snow fell, but over the last week strong winds have drifted any soft snow into fresh slabs. If you find a drift expect it to be unstable, and steer around drifts on steep slopes, especially above terrain traps like cliffs, trees or gullies.
Dry loose avalanches are possible where the snow surface has become a thick layer of sugary, weak facets. These "facet-sluffs" will probably be small, but on long, steep slopes they could entrain a large enough volume of snow to easily carry a person (example near Cooke City). Throughout the forecast area the upper part of the snowpack has become weak and faceted during the recent cold, dry weather (Bacon Rind video, Taylor Fork video, Beehive video, Hebgen video, Bridgers video). Shadier and upper elevation slopes will have the highest potential for a weaker snow surface that could sluff.
Avalanche danger is MODERATE at upper elevations near Cooke City and in the Bridger, Northern Gallatin, and Northern Madison Ranges. Avoid drifts on steep slopes, and lookout for dry loose slides composed of weak sugary snow, especially where being knocked off your feet would have high consequences.
Avalanche danger is LOW in the Southern Madison and Southern Gallatin Ranges, Lionhead Area near West Yellowstone, and Island Park. Remain on the lookout for isolated drifts and dry loose avalanches.
King and Queen of The Ridge Fund-Raiser
Do you love hiking the Ridge? Are you passionate about sliding on snow? Then this event is calling your name. Hike, ski, ride, and raise money while enjoying the camaraderie & great community vibes at Bridger Bowl.Make sure to sign up in two places, through Bridger Bowl to participate and through our event page for the fundraising part of the event.
