23-24

<p>Trust in a snowpack with a weak structure comes slowly. Persistent weak layers underlying a slab of snow from last week’s storm make human-triggered avalanches possible. Avalanches can break 1-2 feet deep and be large enough to bury or injure backcountry travelers.</p>

<p>Ian and his partner rode at Buck Ridge yesterday and were still able to trigger small slabs of snow immediately adjacent to an avalanche that riders triggered intentionally several days ago on a short, wind-loaded slope. This is clear evidence that some terrain remains unstable (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpOF7qmKbeU"><strong><span>video</span>…;). Doug and his partner skied north of Bridger Bowl and said, “Even though it’s getting better, I don’t necessarily trust this on all slopes. So, you’re going to want to dig to find out what is happening in the snow… before you drop in and commit” (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwrE0j4ZjcA"><strong><span>video</span>…;). Skiers at Lionhead Ridge on Monday noted <em>less</em> collapsing than a week before but still observed noticeable signs of instability, including a whumph that propagated 50’ (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/29601"><strong><span>observation</span…;). Last weekend, a skier remotely triggered an avalanche at Lionhead Ridge that broke downhill of him on a steep rollover (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0-qL5ZrJcd/?id=3260228715764553501_2655…;). Additionally, Alex triggered collapsing in Cooke City (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hugfAvGd09U&amp;list=PLXu5151nmAvSH326z…;), groups in Beehive Basin witnessed cracking, heard whumphs, and got unstable test scores (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/29575"><strong><span>details</span></s…;), and two groups triggered collapses and turned back from their objectives in the Bridger Range (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/29570"><strong><span>details1</span></…;, <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/29582"><strong><span>details2</span></…;). Look at the long list of documented instabilities on the <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/weather/wx-avalanche-log"><strong><span>wea… and avalanche log</span></strong></a> for a more complete picture.</p>

<p>As I mentioned in my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN3auEiOfbU"><strong><span>video</span>…; from the Throne on Monday, we have two options for safer backcountry travel. Either continue avoiding avalanche terrain <em>or </em>dig, test, and turn back to lower-angle slopes if you observe any signs of instability. Follow the principles of safe travel by carrying rescue gear and never exposing more than one person at a time to steeper slopes.</p>

<p>The avalanche danger is MODERATE.</p>