Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
<p>While the weather has been all over the place the last couple days, it hasn’t changed the big picture for the snowpack. Small avalanches breaking near the surface are the only real concern.</p>
<p>Pay attention to slopes that have more than a couple inches of freshly drifted snow. On Sunday, a wind slab avalanche broke on the north face of Mt Blackmore (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/20958">details</a></strong>). Skiers in the Bridger Range yesterday found thin winds slabs and had cracks shoot out 15 ft past the tips of their skis, a clear sign of instability (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/cracks-ese-aspect-bridger-bowl">p…;). These slabs have bonded over the last 24 hours, but I expect another round of similar, thin wind slabs to develop with tonight’s little bit of new snow and strong winds. Stay on the lookout for signs of instability such as recent avalanches or cracking/collapsing drifts (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/cracking-bridger">photo</a></stro…;). Either of these are a clear warning to avoid steep slopes.</p>
<p>With temperatures rising into the 40s by the end of the week, wet loose avalanches will be possible. If the snow surface gets sticky and wet, be wary of small avalanches that could push you into rocks or off a cliff.</p>
<p>There are some areas where weak snow has formed near the ground, but they don’t appear to be widespread and without a larger load of snow are not yet a substantial avalanche concern.</p>
Upcoming Avalanche Education and Events
Our education calendar is full of awareness lectures and field courses. Check it out and plan to attend one or two: Events and Education Calendar.
BOZEMAN
TONIGHT! 12 November, 1-hr Avalanche Awareness, 6-7pm @ Montana Ski Tuning and Boot Fitters.
13 November, 1-hr Avalanche Awareness, 8-9pm @ Bob Ward’s.