24-25
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Fri Nov 15, 2024
Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Snow depths and <a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/#snow-water-equivalent-swe…; across the area are:</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span><span><span><span><span><span>Bridgers:</span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span>8” snow/2” SWE</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span><span><span><span>Hyalite:</span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span>15” snow/3.6” SWE</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span><span><span><span>Big Sky:</span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span>9” snow/2” SWE</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span><span><span><span>West Yellowstone:</span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span>12” snow/2.5” SWE</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span><span><span><span>Island Park:</span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span>12” snow/2.8” SWE</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span><span><span><span><span><span>Cooke City:</span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span>11” snow/2.6” SWE</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>With such thin snow, the greatest threat is hitting rocks and stumps; however, </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/avalanche-activity"><span><span><span><span… avalanche activity</span></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span> proves that there is <strong>more than enough snow for avalanches</strong>. In Hyalite at </span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/snow-observations-list"><span><span><span><… Rock</span></span></u></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span> on Thursday, Ian and Dave found between 0” of snow and 18” of snow. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Fresh wind slabs</span></span></strong><span><span><span> are the main avalanche problem, especially by Sunday when strong winds should blow from the west. Early-season avalanches may not bury you, but they will hurt playing pinball with you through the rocks and stumps.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Hunters </span></span></strong></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span>should be especially cautious since they often travel alone and without avalanche rescue gear. Avoid steep slopes with snow deeper than your ankles. </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
A 12" deep snowpack at History Rock. 11/14/24. Photo: GNFAC
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Fri Nov 15, 2024
Snow and dirt at History Rock on November 14, 2024. Photo: GNFAC
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Fri Nov 15, 2024
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Fri Nov 15, 2024
Pleasantly Surprised at Bridger
Date
Activity
Skiing
I went for a quick lap up PK today. Considering my car said 7 degrees Celsius in the parking lot, I was surprised by how soon I ran into dry surface snow on my way up. In sheltered areas approx 7000ft and higher I found 5-10 cm dry snow on a mostly supportive crust on N through E aspects. I didn't closely observe other aspects. At mid-elevations (~7300-7700) winds were moderate with moderate snow transport. Above and below this I experienced light winds and saw evidence of previous wind transport. I travelled to just above PK (~7950).
Dug a quick pit on a NE asp around 7800 ft, and found a mostly right-side-up snowpack with an HS of 40cm. Skiing was enjoyable, if not a bit anxiety-inducing when I ventured off the main runs.
Region
Bridger Range
Location (from list)
Bridger Bowl
Observer Name
N. deLeeuw
Wind slabs in hyalite
Date
Activity
Skiing
From obs: "Toured into a north facing chute at around 9800 ft. Found a thick stubborn wind slab near the ridge that was difficult to trigger and did not really move a whole lot. In the middle of the chute I found a 6 in thick softer wind slab. There was a lot of variability in the snow throughout the upper elevations, and signs of active top and cross loading with gusty, swirling winds."
Region
Northern Gallatin
Location (from list)
Hyalite - main fork
Observer Name
Jay Alford
A Mix of Dirt and Snow at History Rock
Date
Activity
Skiing
Ian and I drove up the Langhor Road in Hyalite Canyon in order to access the upper meadows of History Rock. We wrapped around and intersected with the trail in the mid-elevation meadows. Snow depths varied from 0" to 18." We toured into the middle of the three ski meadows before stopping to assess how the season's thin snowpack is evolving. The snowpack has a relatively simple, three layer structure. The lowest layer is beginning to show signs of weakening (faceting). However, the foundation of the snowpack was looking pretty good for now. ECTX. While we are optimistic for now, the snowpack is thin and can change quickly this time of year. There was evidence of wind in the History Rock area, this has likely built wind-slabs at higher elevations and more open terrain.
The critical piece of information is that at mid to upper elevations the ground is mostly covered and we have a layered snowpack. We will stay tuned to how the snowpack evolves and how well subsequent storms bond to what we have on the ground.
Region
Northern Gallatin
Location (from list)
History Rock
Observer Name
Dave Zinn