Good morning. This is Eric Knoff with the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Advisory issued on Sunday, March 29, at 7:30 a.m. Bridger Bowl in partnership with the Friends of the Avalanche Center sponsor today’s advisory. This advisory does not apply to operating ski areas.
The storm system that blew through yesterday created some wild conditions. Wind gusts up to 70 mph were recorded in many locations. Precipitation was light, but most areas picked up a trace to one inch of snow with Carrot Basin in the southern Madison Range picking up 2-3 inches. Conditions have calmed significantly this morning and winds are blowing 10-20 mph out W-SW. Temperatures are in upper teens to low 20s F under clear skies. Today, a building ridge of high pressure will produce mostly sunny skies and warm temperatures. Highs today will climb into the 60s in the valley and 40s F in mountains. Winds will remain light to moderate out of the W-SW. High pressure will dominate the weather pattern over the next few days.
Bridger Range Madison Range Gallatin Range
Lionhead area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
Yesterday's fast moving storm system brought much more wind than snow. It also helped bring cooler temperatures to the area. Timber weather station at the Yellowstone Club recorded a nine degree temperature drop from noon to 1 p.m. yesterday afternoon. This rapid drop was associated with the frontal passage, which also deposited light snow in most locations.
Fortunately, cooler temperatures stuck around and most areas got a solid refreeze overnight. This will eliminate the wet snow avalanche hazard during the morning hours today. For better or for worse, temperatures will once again climb well above seasonal averages this afternoon. As temps climb into the 40s under sunny skies, the snow surface will soften and become more reactive.
Today, loose, wet avalanches will be the primary avalanche problem. These will be possible on all aspects and elevations, but will likely start on south facing slopes this morning and move around the compass as the day heats up. Pay attention to obvious sign of instability such roller balls or point releases and move to shadier aspects or safer terrain if these signs are present.
Today will be a good one to start early and end early. Generally safe avalanche conditions exist this morning and the avalanche danger is rated LOW. As the sun moves higher in the sky and the day heats up human triggered avalanches will become possible and the avalanche danger will rise to MODERATE.
I 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.