Hesse Mountain

Touring out to Hesse Mountain on Saturday, we experienced two large collapses, first when we skinned out of the trees at 9,400 feet and a second more significant collapse on a wind-hardened drift at 10,000 feet. We stopped and dug a pit near the wind drift. These collapses were likely caused by a well-preserved facet layer 31 inches (80 cm) deep. I have yet to closely track the dates of layers this year, but I assume this is similar to the February 18th layer the forecasters are discussing in the Wyoming range. I recommend investigating this layer before you travel into avalanche terrain, especially on north and easterly aspects. The Bighorns receive a lot of wind. This area has a lot of scoured patches, down to the talus, that make for difficult travel.

Quick report