Good Morning. This is Alex Marienthal with the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Advisory issued on Monday, January 8th at 6:45 a.m. Today’s advisory is sponsored by Mystery Ranch and Montana Ale Works. This advisory does not apply to operating ski areas.
Since yesterday the mountains near Cooke City got 2” of snow and elsewhere got none. Wind has been southwest at 10-20 mph and temperatures this morning are teens F in the southern ranges and high 20s F in the northern ranges. Today, temperatures will reach high 20s to mid-30s F with west-southwest wind at 15-25 mph. Tonight, snow showers will drop 1-2” in the southern ranges with more snow for the entire area tomorrow through Thursday.
Avalanches breaking 2-4’ deep on weak facets are difficult to trigger compared to a week ago, but continued signs of instability show they are possible. Yesterday, skiers near Divide Peak in Hyalite had propagation in their stability tests and decided to not ski a steep slope. Over the weekend, skiers near Cooke City had many unstable stability test results and one large collapse in low angle terrain. I rode near Buck Ridge yesterday and skied in Hyalite Saturday. In both places I found stable slopes, and unstable slopes (video, video).
Today, travel in avalanche terrain requires thorough snowpack assessment. Review our photos and videos to learn the general character and distribution of unstable slopes. Recent signs of instability and many avalanches last week were observed on slopes where the snowpack is relatively shallow, less than 3-4 feet deep. These unstable slopes are common on southerly aspects and low elevations, but possible on any aspect or elevation. You have to dig to know exactly what is under your feet. Otherwise, avoid avalanche terrain altogether.
Dig a couple pits on terrain similar to what you plan to ride for the day. Avoid steep slopes if stability tests break clean, or if you find sugary, weak facets buried 2-4’ deep (video). In addition, be cautious of wind slabs 6-12" thick near ridgelines. These slabs are difficult to trigger, but will hurt if they catch you above cliffs or trees. Carefully assess the terrain for consequences of even small slides, and expose only one person at a time to steep slopes.
Today, large avalanches are possible to trigger and the avalanche danger is MODERATE.
If you get out and have any avalanche or snowpack observations to share, drop a line via our website, email (mtavalanche@gmail.com), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).
Cabin Creek Avalanche Accident Report
On Tuesday, January 2nd, a snowmobiler was caught and killed in an avalanche in Cabin Creek to the west of Sage Peak in the southern Madison Range. Alex and Doug investigated the slide on Wednesday. You can view a detailed report of the accident HERE.
Upcoming Avalanche Education and Events
BOZEMAN
Jan. 9, Women’s Avalanche Awareness and Beacon Clinic, 6-8 p.m. at Beall Park
Jan. 12 and 13, Companion Rescue Clinic, Info and Register
Jan. 17, 18 and 20 or 21, Introduction to Avalanches w/ Field Day, Info and Register Here
Jan. 24, 25 and 27, Advanced Avalanche Workshop w. Field Day, Info and Register Here
Feb. 9 and 10, Companion Rescue Clinic, Info and Register
WEST YELLOWSTONE
Jan. 20, Avalanche Awareness, 7-8 p.m. at West Yellowstone Holiday Inn Conference Center
BIG TIMBER
Jan. 11, Avalanche Awareness, 6-7 p.m. at Sweet Grass County High School
BUTTE
Jan. 13, Rescue Clinic, 10 a.m. at Homestake Lodge
Dillon
Jan. 16, Avalanche Awareness, 6:30-8 p.m. at U.M. Western Library
COOKE CITY
Every Friday and Saturday, Current Conditions Update and Avalanche Rescue, Friday 6:30-7:30 p.m. at The Antler's Lodge in January. Saturday anytime between 10-2 @ Round Lake.
Check out Dashboard Talks: Episode 2, a 2.5-minute video of Dave Zinn and Doug Chabot discussing how often you should practice with your rescue gear.