Bearclaw Bob's, second posting

[bearclawbob]

Cold

We say 15 below this morning and a high in the mid teens. Tonight we could see 5 below but warming up by the weekend. The snowman is calling for snow again Thursday through Saturday (40%). I've had riders come in and say the area is tracked up, I would have to say they need to look a little harder to find better snow. It's out their.

I've sold out on the BC Link radio, but I've got another dozen coming in. I've had people ask me if I rent them and I'll start renting them. I'll try and help people out when ever I can.
Would like to thank everyone that comes into Bearclaw/ Bakery. If it wasn't for you, I and the town wouldn't be here.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Even without natural activity, any time it dumps and the wind blows the potential for triggering avalanches goes up. On Saturday, while climbing up Hyalite, I backed away from a gulley brimming with a fresh wind slab. That same day Alex saw evidence of wind-loads but no new avalanches on Buck Ridge. On Sunday, Eric and I rode into Lionhead and found one wind-loaded slope that avalanched naturally and many wind-loaded slopes that had not. Yesterday in this area, a snowmobiler triggered a steep, wind-loaded slope as he traversed it, breaking 18” deep and 150 feet wide. A small, 35-foot wide avalanche was also triggered by a skier outside Cooke City on a slope that likely avalanched earlier. Slopes that already avalanched on the depth hoar are susceptible to avalanching a second time since they remain shallow which fosters even more facet growth.

The stability is improving and triggering avalanches has become more difficult, but not impossible. In this video, Alex explains the lingering problem of depth hoar and why we need to remain conservative, even as the avalanche danger decreases. For today, the avalanche danger is rated MODERATE on all slopes.

 

[bearclawbob]

SNOW

The snowman called it right for today. We have light snow falling and we could see up to 5 inches in town. Friday well see partly cloudy skies and for Saturday another 50% chance of snow. Then Sunday through Thursday the temp's will be in the mid 30's, partly cloudy.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: It has become more difficult to trigger avalanches on the buried persistent weak layers, but it is still possible. Slopes where it may be more likely to trigger an avalanche include wind loaded slopes that have variable slab depth and slopes with an overall shallower snowpack, such as those that slid already this year. The Football Field in the backcountry near Bridger Bowl is an example of this and there is a chance it could slide a third time.

Wind slabs will remain likely to trigger today. Slabs of new snow, loose snow slides, and avalanches on buried weak layers will also be possible. The avalanche danger today is CONSIDERABLE on all wind-loaded slopes and MODERATE on all other slopes.

If your looking for a avy vest, ( snow pluse) I still have two left. Stop in and check them out

 

[bearclawbob]

still snowing

Woke up to a trace of snow and we have a 50% today. The snowman is calling for mid 30's Sunday through Thursday. With that kind of temp's, we will see lots of sun. The snow has been perfect the last couple of days. I've seen up to 2 feeet in places and on a average its 1 foot.

I do rent Avy packs, along with all other avalanche equipment. I'm going to start renting BC LInk radio's. Come in and check them out. I'll have them Monday.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: When uncertainty is high in regards to stability, careful terrain selection can reduce the risk of an avalanche. You can avoid steep slopes all together, or lower the consequences of a slide by avoiding steep slopes with hazards such as trees, cliffs, or confined gullies. Slopes where it is more likely to trigger an avalanche on buried weak layers include slopes with an overall shallower snowpack, such as those that already avalanched on the depth hoar, and wind loaded slopes that have more stress over the weak layer and a variable slab depth where you might find a shallow trigger point.

Today, the avalanche danger is rated MODERATE on all slopes. Avalanches are possible to trigger and could be large due to buried persistent weak layers. Cautious route finding is advi

 

[bearclawbob]

NICE SUNNY DAY

The the snowman is right again. What a great day to go ride. You'll be able to see what's in front of you today. Yesterday was a blizzard on the mountain. The winds where howling up to 45 mph gusts. I'm shocked the power didn't go out. It did flicker a few times. For the next several days we are going to see sun with no chances of snow clear through Sunday. So guys the snow dance is starting again for Monday morning until we see snow in the forecast.

I'm having another shipment of BC Link radio's coming in. Call if your needing some. Shipment will be limited. I will start renting them out next week.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Today your chances of triggering a slide on a wind loaded slope are about the same as those of the Carolina Panthers winning the super bowl...it is likely. All wind loaded slopes have a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. Triggering a slide on non-wind loaded slopes will be more difficult but not impossible, just like the Bronco's quest for an upset. Non-wind loaded slopes have a MODERATE avalanche danger.

If your booking rooms at the Super 8, don't forget to mention the snowest discount. You can save money and if you don't mention it until check in, your out of luck. It has to me done when making your reservation.

 

[bearclawbob]

WARMER

The snowman is letting us down. He now is calling for lower 40's for the next couple of days. This will make the snow really crusty and hard. YUCK I started the snow dance yesterday, but it looks like I'm going to have to have lots of help to pull us out of this one. Saturday, Sunday and Monday we could see a chance of snow, but Its a chance.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Wet loose avalanches are possible on solar aspects this afternoon due to above freezing temperatures. A consolidated snow surface and moderate wind should help minimize this problem, but watch for changing surface conditions on southeast-south-west aspects throughout the day.

Today, wind slabs and buried weak layers are becoming more difficult to trigger, but avalanches remain possible and the avalanche danger is rated MODERATE.

 

[bearclawbob]

still sunny

Well the dancing is helped, thank you Mezz and everyone else. The percentage went from 30 to 50% on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The more we dance the more the percentage will go up. I'd like to see about a foot of snow by Saturday. Today we will see temps close to 40 with partly cloudy skies. The snow is getting crusty and hard. You can still find areas that are untouched.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: For today, the avalanche danger is MODERATE on slopes steeper than 35 degrees and on any slope that was wind-loaded. Lower angled terrain without a wind-load has a LOW danger.

The number one item at the bakery so far has been the almond french toast. MMMMMM,MMMMM good.

 

[bearclawbob]

WOW

The snowman didn't see this coming. Woke up to snow and we've picked up about an inch so far. Saturday has risen to 70% and Sunday 60%. See I told you guys if you helped me dance we would get a result. So keep it up. The bad news its going to me in the mid 30's.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: For today, the avalanche danger is MODERATE on slopes steeper than 35 degrees and on any slope that was wind-loaded. Lower angled terrain without a wind-load has a LOW danger.

Sorry to say I've sold all 10 BC LInk radio I got in. I'll have to get more for the rental. I hope they don't go on back order.

 

[bearclawbob]

Keep dancing

Woke up to another 2 inches and the snowman is calling for more today and tonight. Keep dancing. We could use a foot by tomorrow. You can still find places that haven't seen a sled for a week or so. Its been a slow week in town, but its picking up now for the weekend.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Today, human triggered avalanches are possible on slopes steeper than 35 degrees which have a MODERATE avalanche danger. Less steep slopes have a LOW avalanche danger.

We are back in business. I received a shipment last night and I have 10 more BC Link radio's. Stop in and check them out.

 

[bearclawbob]

Keep dancing

Woke up to another 2 inches and the snowman is calling for more today and tonight. Keep dancing. We could use a foot by tomorrow. You can still find places that haven't seen a sled for a week or so. Its been a slow week in town, but its picking up now for the weekend.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Today, human triggered avalanches are possible on slopes steeper than 35 degrees which have a MODERATE avalanche danger. Less steep slopes have a LOW avalanche danger.

We are back in business. I received a shipment last night and I have 10 more BC Link radio's. Stop in and check them out.

 

[bearclawbob]

Keep dancing

I'm going to ask you to keep dancing for a couple more days. The snowman is calling for another foot by tomorrow night. We picked up over 6 inches over the last two days and a good foot on the mountain.
Then Tuesday will have a 30% chance, Wednesday will be partly cloudy. Thursday will have a 50% and the rest of the week will be partly cloudy.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Outside of new snow instabilities, facets buried mid pack and near the ground remain a concern. Yesterday, I toured in Beehive Basin and got unstable results in stability tests on a layer of facets 40 cm off the ground. This is a good reminder that we’re not out of the woods with the deep slab avalanche problem. A new layer to look out for will be a layer of surface hoar. This layer does not exist in all areas, but it was observed on all aspects and elevations in the mountains around Cooke City. It could easily exist on other slopes across the advisory area. It will be something to watch out for as the mountains get more snow over the next few days.

Today, human triggered avalanches are likely on wind loaded slopes steeper than 35 degrees which have a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. All other slopes have MODERATE avalanche danger.

It has been a great weekend, thanks to all of you that has came up to Cooke City.
I have only 4 radio's left out of 10. Stop in and check them out.

The bakery's #1 seller was the almond french toast.

 

[bearclawbob]

dance,dance,dance

It started snowing about 4 am and at this time we have seen 3 inches of dense pellet snow. The wind has came up and started drifting around town. If this keeps up we could see blizzard conditions. At this time its 32 degrees. Lets hope the power doesn't go out. The snowman is still calling for up to a foot of snow by tonight.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: A growing concern is a layer of surface hoar and near surface facets now capped by 6-10 inches of new snow. Doug found this layer in the Lionhead yesterday and it has also been found in the mountains around Cooke City. This distribution of this layer is spotty, but it most likely exists on sheltered slopes protected from the sun and wind. This layer has not been found in the mountains around Bozeman and Big Sky.

Today, human triggered avalanches are likely on wind loaded slopes steeper than 35 degrees which have a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. All other slopes have MODERATE avalanche danger.

 

[bearclawbob]

partly cloudy

The snowman out did himself yesterday. We picked up about 12 inches in town, but it was a heavy snow. We are going to see partly cloudy skies today and the temp's will be in the higher 30's. Then for Wednesday the temp's will be in the lower 40's with sunny skies. Then Thursday and Friday we have another shot for snow coming in. LetS all keep up the dance.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: The mountains around Cooke City have gotten 1-2 feet of dense snow in the last three days. Yesterday was stormy with heavy snowfall and strong winds. Skiers on Miller Ridge triggered a soft slab avalanche from a distance (aka. remotely). The slide broke 75’ wide, 1-2’ deep and ran 150’ vertical on a layer of freshly buried surface hoar. The party also noted a wind-loaded slope breaking 30’ wide and avalanching its full track of 1,000’ vertical. Alex found large, feathery grains of surface hoar (photo) blanketing many slopes on Thursday, a day before they got buried and preserved. This layer is now under 2+ feet of snow and unstable. Besides the avalanche, the skiers also noted cracking and collapsing. Wind-loaded slopes are a hazard, even without surface hoar. Snow, wind, cracking, collapsing and avalanches point to a CONSIDERABLE danger on all slopes today.

 

[bearclawbob]

RECAP

A recap of Tuesday, plowed snow all day and it was partly cloudy and Wednesday was overcast with a high of 36. We ended up with approx. 12 inches of snow in town and close to 2 feet on the mountains. It was 56 in Livingston yesterday. YUCK!!
So the snowman is calling for snow today. The bad thing is the high will be in the upper 30's. We have a 80% chance of snow today and 80% tonight with winds guesting up to 45 mph. We might see 3-4 inches of snow by tomorrow morning. For Friday we have a 30% in the morning with gusts up to 45 mph and for the evening a 60% chance with winds tapering off to 15-20 mph.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Strong winds this week scoured snow from windward slopes and deposited dense slabs of snow on leeward slopes. A lack of snow to continue growth of these wind slabs combined with warm temperatures makes them more difficult to trigger, but it remains a possibility. Wind slabs and slabs of recent snow will be easier to trigger where they rest over buried weak layers.

Buried surface hoar has been observed in Cooke City and the Southern Madison Range, and Doug found it near West Yellowstone last Sunday. Near Cooke City, skiers triggered an avalanche on this layer on Monday, and snowbikers triggered a few small slides yesterday. Doug and I were riding near Taylor Fork yesterday and found a layer of facets, buried 6-8” deep, which was unstable in our tests. It doesn’t matter what the crystal type is, these weak layers are shallow and easy to dig for, and it will be possible to trigger an avalanche on them today.

It is still possible to trigger an avalanche on depth hoar near the ground and facets buried 2-3 feet deep. Doug and I investigated an avalanche that failed on depth hoar, which was triggered by a snowmobiler last Sunday in the Taylor Fork. Avalanches on these layer have become harder to trigger, but this event shows they are still possible. Eric found these facets and had unstable results in stability tests last weekend in Beehive. Areas where it is more likely to trigger an avalanche on these deeper buried weak layers are where the snowpack is shallower, recently wind loaded, or the slab depth varies and shallow trigger points exist.

Today, buried weak layers make it possible to trigger an avalanche and the danger is rated MODERATE.

The last batch of link radio's are in. They are on back order now.

 

[bearclawbob]

SNOW

The snowman has been getting it right for the last couple of days. We saw snow yesterday, but we might have picked up an inch. For today, it was partly cloudy and we just had a snow shower come through. The forecast will be sunny to partly sunny for the next few days. with highs in the lower 30's with lows in the lower 20's.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS:Recent snow and wind that rapidly loaded a weak snowpack was a good stability test, which the depth hoar did not pass. It is still possible to trigger avalanches on weak facets 2-3 feet deep or sugary depth hoar near the ground, as shown by the slide yesterday near Cooke City and the avalanche triggered by a snowmobiler last Sunday in the Taylor Fork.

Today, human triggered avalanches are likely and the avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE. Large avalanches are possible and could be triggered from lower angle terrain below steep slopes. Avoid avalanche terrain or practice cautious route finding and conservative decision making.

Well I've sold out again of the link radio. I'm told they are on back order. I'll reorder 20 more, but not sure when they will be coming in.

I've had the garage full every night. Guys are taking advantage of using it to work or store their sleds in a warm garage. I do carry lots of part for sleds. Come end and check out our prices before you go some where else to buy.

Rentals are also doing well, stop in if your looking at renting sleds, avalanche equipment and other things you might need.

 

[bearclawbob]

BRRRRRRR

Woke up to 8 below and that was even a shock to the snowman. At this time its 26 above. The snowman is calling for a 40% chance of snow tomorrow and then sunny skies tell the end of the week.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: A majority of the avalanche activity around Cooke City and West Yellowstone is occurring on slopes facing north through east. These slopes were more protected from the strong west-southwest winds that accompanied Thursday night’s storm. These slopes are also more wind loaded, which is adding additional stress to the buried surface hoar layer. On Friday, snowmobilers outside of Cooke City remotely triggered a large slide that initiated on buried surface hoar, but stepped down to depth hoar near the ground. This slide occurred on a heavily wind loaded slope.

Today, conditions will remain touchy in the mountains around Cooke City and West Yellowstone and the avalanche danger is rated CONSIDERABLE.

 

[bearclawbob]

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR again

This morning was 15 below and yesterday it was 5 below. It did warm up to 33 above. The snowman has been wrong with the temp's, but right about the sun shine. You have to wear sunglasses if you go out. The reflection off the snow is blinding.
We won't see a chance of snow until Saturday with a 30% chance of snow. Lets start up the snow dance for the weekend. My little spider will show you how its done.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: The surface hoar is visible as a grey stripe in the snowpit wall. It is found in all the southern mountain ranges, but not on every slope. This variability means homework is in order. Dig down, and if you see it go somewhere else. If you do not find it, dig again in another spot to confirm it is not there. Surface hoar can avalanche over a month after being buried. Given the possibility of triggering avalanches, the danger is rated MODERATE on all slopes today.

I picked up another 3 more Link radio's, stop in and get them. They are now on back order.

 

[bearclawbob]

SUN

Another sunny day here in Cooke city. The temp's this morning was 5 above and its 25 at 1 pm. The snowman is showing snow coming in for the weekend. At this time, the snow is getting crusty and hard in the mornings. The trail to the top of the world is getting thin also. Lots of bare spots showing.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Buried surface hoar makes it possible to trigger an avalanche today, so the danger is rated MODERATE on all slopes.

I have 3 more Link radio's left. Stop in and get them before their gone. Have a great deal on Helmets.

Keep up the snow dance.

 

[Rmk_RDR]

Hey Bob me and another guy are looking to maybe come out from the 5th-11th and I notice some days it says a chance of rain or snow just wondering does it usually snow on the hills and rain in town if temps in town are around 40?

 

[bearclawbob]

Its snowing

About an hour ago it started snowing and we've picked up about 2 inches in town, but its a heavy snow. The report on the mountain is about 4 inches of fresh powder. The snowman is calling for about 2 more inches tonight. Just have to what and see what happens. If I don't post right away in the morning, I'll be out plowing. You can go to bearclawsalesandservice.com and check out the web cams. I'm trying to put another one up with weather on it. Until tomorrow have a great evening.

 

[bearclawbob]

RMK_RDR

If it says snow showers, It should be snowing on the mountain and a wet heavy snow in town.