Avalanche forecast

Bridger Range

Gallatin NF Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Wind loaded slopes are the most likely places to trigger a slide which could be 1-2 feet deep. Go to slopes sheltered from wind, but be prepared for the possibility of a persistent slab avalanche about a foot deep. Or, ride slopes less than 30 degrees in steepness that aren’t steep enough to slide.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

Avalanche Discussion

The most likely places to trigger avalanches today (places to avoid) are near ridgelines, under cornices, or any place where strong winds on Monday and some this morning near Big Sky and Hyalite from the S and W deposited snow. These wind slabs may be up to 2 feet deep and will likely break on the old snow surface which became faceted during the January dry weather. 

Persistent slab avalanches are a trickier problem and can occur in places without obvious wind loading like one Mt Blackmore in Hyalite and two on Mt Republic near Cooke City. This problem seems to be a little less of an issue in the Bridger Range as Ian found yesterday (observation, video), but he was still cautious. In other mountain ranges, this problem is more sensitive as a group yesterday in Bacon Rind in the Southern Madison Range experienced widespread collapsing and cracking. Near Island Park and Lionhead, the weak layer is present but less snow fell and it's not a problem yet.

The avalanche danger near Big Sky and Hyalite in the Northern Madison and Gallatin Ranges is CONSIDERABLE at upper elevations  due to increased winds this morning. The danger in all other places is MODERATE.

What to do? Primarily avoid areas with obvious wind loading. Always consider slopes less than 30 degrees in steepness that aren’t steep enough to slide. If aiming for steeper terrain, look for obvious clues like collapsing and shooting cracks as signs of unstable snow. Consider doing a few stability tests looking for unstable results (ECTP’s). Lacking any of those red flags, pick slopes with clean runouts free of trees, rocks, creeks, or other terrain traps.

Take a look at recent avalanches to get a sense of what to expect today. 

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