Good morning. This is Eric Knoff with the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Advisory issued on Monday, March 30, at 7:30 a.m. The Community Food Co-op in partnership with the Friends of the Avalanche Center sponsor today’s advisory. This advisory does not apply to operating ski areas.
At 4 a.m. mountain temperatures are in the upper 20s to low 30s F and winds are blowing 10-20 mph out the west. Today, a building ridge of high pressure will produce mostly sunny skies and warm temps. Highs today will warm into the upper 40s to low 50s F and winds will remain light to moderate out of the west. High pressure will dominate the weather pattern over the next 24 hours, but a storm system is forecasted to impact the area Tuesday night into Wednesday bringing valley rain and mountain snow.
Bridger Range Madison Range Gallatin Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
We are in a typical spring pattern where the avalanche danger is lower in morning but increases during the day as strong solar input and warming temperatures soften the snow surface. Yesterday, high clouds and a moderate breeze helped keep the snow surface cool, which limited wet snow activity. Today, sunnier skies and warmer temperatures will increase the likelihood of wet snow avalanches.
If signs of instability such as roller balls or point releases are present or if you’re sinking into wet sloppy snow above your boots, it’s time to move to shadier aspects or the car.
Today, the avalanche danger will start out LOW, but will rise to MODERATE as the day warms up.
Doug will issue the next advisory tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m. If you have any snowpack or avalanche observations drop us a line at mtavalanche@gmail.com or call us at 587-6984.