Bearclaw Bob's, second posting

[bearclawbob]

Snowing

The snowman has been calling for around 5 inches by tomorrow morning. If this keeps up, we might end up with 8-10 inches. Its a heavywet snow in town. We could see snow most of this coming week.

Thanks MOM's motorsports for the pictures and staying with us. See you again this month.

It was the busiest weekend that the town has had. I was busy putting new clutches on, repairing recoils and filling lots of Avy bottles. The bakery was just as busy.
The garage was also busy people working on their sleds. Thank you everyone for coming in.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Today’s advisory is sponsored by World Boards and Buck Products.

Strong wind and warm temperatures the last three days sculpted the snow surface to a different quality than last week’s powder frenzy. Wind scouring, minimal snowfall, and a melt-freeze of the surface have promoted stability, but created variable riding conditions. Good skiing and riding is found on sun and wind sheltered slopes, but expect to encounter some challenging conditions. Wind and sun crusts can unexpectedly take control of a ski with slight change in a slopes exposure to sun or wind. Fortunately, these issues will change for the better this week.

Besides hazards of the variable snow surface, avalanches could be triggered on wind loaded slopes. Recent strong wind has scoured snow more than it formed drifts, and fresh wind slabs near ridgelines are small. However, larger wind drifts that formed earlier in the week are possible to trigger.

Cornices have grown monstrous over the course of the season and should be given a wide berth along the ridgelines and on slopes below. Outside of wind loaded slopes, the snowpack is mostly stable. On Friday, we found the weak layer buried 1.5-3’ feet deep in the southern ranges is getting stronger.

Today, human triggered avalanches are possible on wind loaded slopes which have a MODERATE avalanche danger. Non-wind loaded slopes have a LOW avalanche danger.

 

[bearclawbob]

more snow

A recap from Monday. We picked up about 6-8 inches in town and about a foot and a half on the mountain. Tuesday, light snow and more snow on the mountain.
For today we are in a winter storm warning. The are saying we could see up to 24 inches on the mountain.
Saturday will be partly cloudy and the snow moves back in for Sunday.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Today’s advisory is sponsored by Cooke City Super 8/Bearclaw Bob’s and Bridger Bowl.

Since Saturday evening Cooke City and Lionhead have gotten 20” of snow (2” SWE). Winds have been strong out of the W-SW and drifts are thick, dense and ready to avalanche. Eric and I rode into Lionhead and pinned the throttle multiple times to plow through whale-sized drifts. Cracks would shoot out in front of the sled and in one spot we were able to trigger a small wind-loaded slope, far below the ridge crest where triggering slides would have serious consequences. As Eric says in the video, “This is bulls-eye information that wind-loaded slopes are unstable.” Even on slopes without a wind-load avalanches are possible given the steady snowfall. Outside Cooke City on Monday a skier noted the new snow avalanching. With another foot of snow since then the stability has not improved. My recommendation is to avoid wind-loaded terrain, be mindful of terrain traps and remember that most avalanches occur during storms…like today. Since human triggered avalanches are likely, the avalanche danger is rated CONSIDERABLE on all slopes.

 

[bearclawbob]

more snow

The snowman is calling for another 8-12 inches of snow to fall by 6pm Friday night. We've picked up 15 inches so far. I've been plowing all day. Headed back out to finish up. AVALANCHE WARN OUT FOR COOKE CITY. IT'S HIGH AT THIS TIME.

AVALANCHE WARNING. The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center is issuing a Backcountry Avalanche Warning for the mountains around Cooke City. Heavy snowfall and strong wind over the last 48 hours has created a HIGH avalanche danger on all slopes. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely today.Avalanche terrain and avalanche runout zones should be avoided.
__________________

 

[bearclawbob]

snow / rain

The snowman is calling for snow showers mixed with rain in town. You heard me right, rain again. Its a bad 4 letter word. Saturday we will see the sun. It should be a great day. For next week, the snow returns, but the temp's raise to the upper 30's to lower 40's.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Today’s advisory is sponsored by Javaman and Bridger Bowl

Although more snow fell overnight, the avalanche warning for mountains around Cooke City has expired. Since yesterday morning, Fisher Creek Snotel site picked up 8-10” of dense snow totaling 1.2” of SWE. This puts the three day total at 3.4” of (snow water equivalent).

Winds over the past 24 hours have decreased slightly, but are still blowing hard enough to transport snow. Today, natural and human triggered avalanches are likely on wind loaded slopes. This problem will be most widespread in upper elevation terrain leeward to W-SW winds. On non-wind loaded slopes, human triggered avalanches failing in the storm snow are likely.

Today, very dangerous avalanche conditions exist on wind loaded slopes which have a HIGH avalanche danger. Non-wind loaded slopes have a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger.

 

[bearclawbob]

sunny and warmer

The snowman had to put his shades on and a shade over his head or he will start melting. The temp's will be in the upper 30's today. Then for the next 3 day we could see more snow. The temp's will range in the upper 30's to lower 40's.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: The mountains near Cooke City got 4-5 feet of snow totaling over 5” of snow water equivalent (SWE) in the last week. Eric rode north of town yesterday and found new snow bonded well on non-wind loaded slopes. He noticed natural avalanches on wind loaded slopes that were triggered by cornice falls. Skiers in Sheep Creek saw a large natural avalanche that broke hundreds of feet wide, stepped down into older snow, and piled debris in flat terrain at the bottom.

Strong to very strong wind over the last week grew cornices to massive sizes and formed thick drifts near ridgelines. These drifts are easy for a rider to trigger today, or could break naturally from a cornice fall. Avoid recently wind loaded slopes and give cornices space from above and below. Today, wind loaded slopes have a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger and non-wind loaded slopes have a MODERATE danger.
__________________

 

[bearclawbob]

sun and snow

Well I lost an hour of sleep last night and I can tell it. The town picked up about two inches last night and the sun is up and bright. So the shades go on for the snowman. We will see partly cloudy skies today with a 50% chance of snow. The temp's will be in the lower to mid 30's. Monday we could see a few snow flakes with a chance of light rain in the afternoon. The temp will be in the upper 30's.

We had a injury yesterday afternoon on the mountain. I called this morning to his friends that was with him and they stated that he is doing better. Prays go out for a fast recovery.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS Today’s advisory is sponsored by Grizzly Outfitters

Near Cooke City, West Yellowstone, and Big Sky heavy snowfall and strong wind over the last week create our main avalanche concerns today. The mountains near Cooke City got 4-5 feet of snow, and 2-3 feet of snow fell near West Yellowstone and Big Sky since last Sunday. Good news is there are no widespread weak layers to avoid and soft snow is found on slopes sheltered from sun and wind. On the flipside, overhanging cornices are ready to crumble and west to southwest wind formed thick slabs below ridgelines and on convex terrain.
Eric was in Cooke City on Friday and saw natural avalanches on wind loaded slopes. Other skiers near Cooke City also saw multiple natural avalanches in wind loaded terrain.

Wind took a breather yesterday, but returned in full force last night. Snow from the last week continues to drift into wind slabs and grow cornices that are easy to trigger. Be extra cautious on slopes below cornices and stay far from the edge of ridgelines. When approaching ridgelines from the scoured and non-loaded (windward) side, stay away from the opposite (leeward) edge unless you are absolutely sure it is not overhanging cornice. Avalanche danger today is CONSIDERABLE on wind loaded slopes and MODERATE on non-wind loaded slopes.

 

[bearclawbob]

SNOW

We picked up another 3 inches of snow this morning. If it hadn't been so heavy and wet, it could have been 6 inches. The mountain picked up about 5 inches of lighter snow.
The snowman is calling for a couple of more inches by tonight. By tomorrow the high will be in the mid 40's. Then back to partly cloudy skies on Wednesday. Then back to a chance of snow for Thursday through Saturday.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Strong west to southwest winds loaded slopes in the last week that could be triggered, either by cornices or by a skier or snowmobiler. These wind slabs are a few feet thick around Cooke City and Lionhead, and a few inches thick elsewhere. Alex and his partner skied Saddle Peak in the Bridger Range on Sunday and steered clear of wind-loaded terrain since it was still possible to trigger an avalanche. His snowpit revealed good stability on all other slopes.

For today, the avalanche danger is rated MODERATE on all wind-loaded terrain and LOW on all others. If it rains, the danger will spike rapidly to Considerable or High.

 

[tommy100]

How's things in Cooke city with the warm temps

 

[bearclawbob]

sunny

Morning from Bearclaw / Bakery and the Super 8. The snowman was generous yesterday with slushy snow in town, but it was better on the mountain. It covered up all the tracks (6"). This morning the temp's fell back to mid 20's. We will see the temp's raise back to the lower 40 today and tomorrow. The riding was still good. Guys told me that they still found lots of areas with no tracks. The top of the world is still awesome. So take a trip to the beartooth.
The chance of snow comes back for Sunday (60%) and Monday
(50%).

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Today’s advisory is sponsored by Cooke City Motorsports and Buck Products.

The mountains around Cooke City got lucky last night and picked up 6-8” of snow totaling .8” of SWE. This new snow will improve riding conditions, but it will also bump up the avalanche danger. Wind slabs and wet loose avalanches will both be a concern today. Wind slabs will be most widespread on upper elevation slopes leeward to W-SW winds. These won’t be exceptionally large, but they could pack enough punch to ruin the day and send you back to the pub.

Wet loose avalanches won’t be a problem during the morning hours, but increasing temperatures and abundant sunshine will increase this problem as the day progresses. Roller balls and small point releases are obvious clues the snow surface is becoming unstable (photo).

Today, the dry snow avalanche danger is rated MODERATE on wind loaded slopes and LOW on non-wind loaded slopes. The wet snow danger will start out LOW, but rise to MODERATE as the day progresses.

 

[bearclawbob]

sunny and warmer

Evening from Cooke city. The snowman was way off on his temp's today. We reached 52 degrees. We might see snow for the next 5 days. Sunday we have a 60% of snow. The snowman is calling for a couple of inches in the morning and a couple inches at night. Monday a 70% chance of rain / snow showers. The temp's will reach in the lower 40's.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS:Temperatures did not drop below freezing last night. However, clear skies allowed for radiational cooling, which will firm up the snow surface. This will eliminate the wet snow avalanche hazard during the early morning hours.

The surface crust will break down quickly under the influence of sun and warming temps. By late morning-early afternoon, wet loose avalanches will be a concern on all but north facing slopes. Pay close attention to changing conditions and avoid steeper terrain where pinwheels and small point releases are present. If you plan to ride in avalanche terrain today, I advise an early start and an early finish.

Today, the wet snow avalanche danger will start out LOW, but rise to CONSIDERABLE by this afternoon.

 

[bearclawbob]

light rain showers

Afternoon from a rain soaked day. It's been a drizzle all day. I have seen the sun come out a couple of times. I'm sure well see snow come into night. The snowman is still calling for snow tomorrow.
At 5 a.m. the mountains around Cooke City have 1” of new snow with no new snow elsewhere.

It was another busy weekend.I had to order more parts and Acc. I'm hoping my other shipment of BCA radio's show up this week. I've got another 20 coming.
On to the bakery. Terri has really been busy fixing great items. Come in and check them out.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Above freezing temperatures yesterday led to a wet, weak snowpack on all but the highest, shadiest slopes. Near and below freezing temperatures this morning will refreeze the snow surface and lower the potential to trigger wet avalanches. A thin breakable crust may be the extent of freezing on warmer slopes, and a wet and non-cohesive snowpack lies below the refrozen surface. Relatively colder temperatures today should keep the snow frozen and stable at higher elevations. Below 8500 feet, possible rain and warmer temperatures could melt the surface crust and “unlock” the wet, weak snow below.

Wet loose avalanches are easy to trigger where the snow surface is not frozen. Move to colder aspects if fresh pinwheels and small point releases are present, or if you sink past your boot top in wet snow. Rain and melt-water draining through the snowpack increases the chances for large wet slab avalanches. The forecast does not call for large amounts of rain, but avoid avalanche terrain if rain showers become heavy.

Conditions and stability can change quickly this time of year. Temperatures hit record highs yesterday and snow showers are expected today.

Today, wet snow avalanches are possible and the avalanche danger is MODERATE.

 

[bearclawbob]

new video

Check out my web page for the drone video I did. I'll get better.
Would like to thank Stacy for putting it together for me.

www.bearclawsalesandservice.com

 

[Yaeger34]

Was out there Saturday and Sunday. Saturday it hit 50 degrees in the mountain and a blue bird day. Typical spring conditions. Snow in half the places got harder as the day went, was finding better snow in the lower spots. Wasn't a whole lot better in the trees. So we did some jumping instead. Sunday rained a bunch, mostly sleet on the mountain and bad visibility, conditions changed every half hour.

 

[bearclawbob]

partly cloudy

AWESOME SHOT above, thank you for sharing them.I have been gone for a couple of days. So the recap for Monday is that we had about 3 inches of snow fall in town and about 6 inches on the mountain. It did cover all the tracks up. Tuesday was a sunny day. Today we could see something fall. Not sure what it will be. I'm thinking rain. Thursday we have a 60% of snow / rain, Friday will be partly cloudy. The weekend is showing snow/rain.
It's getting to be spring riding. crusty in the morning with soft snow in the afternoon. I like this time of year, you can get around and see more of the area.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Temperatures will rise and the sun will shine, warming and melting the snow. A thick and supportable ice crust 6-12” deep is a perfect sliding surface for the wet snow. Expect natural, point release avalanches on slopes getting baked by the sun. Wet avalanches will be easy to trigger. Signs that the snow surface is weakening and getting close to avalanching are roller balls and pinwheels. Yesterday, Eric and I toured north of Bridger Bowl to Texas Meadow where I triggered a large pinwheel on the ice crust. At lower elevations there is no crust and the snowpack is wet, unsupportable and prone to avalanching.

Yesterday was warm and the low lying clouds created a greenhouse effect which trapped the heat and warmed the snow more than normal. Even outside Cooke City, our winter hold-out, a ski guide reported moist snow on all aspects up to 11,000 feet. Yesterday’s video from the Bridger Range and Monday’s video from Taylor Fork, show the wet avalanche potential for the coming days.

For today, the wet snow avalanche danger will rise from MODERATE in the morning to CONSIDERABLE as the day heats up, especially on sun exposed slopes.

If you can find dry snow at higher elevations the danger will be MODERATE since avalanches are possible, especially with the recent snow and wind.

CORNICE DANGER

Cornices are extra big this year (photo) and the warm temperatures will weaken their grip on the ridgelines. They can break far from the edge and can trigger large avalanches.

 

[bearclawbob]

overcast

Morning from Bearclaw / bakery and the Super 8. The snowman is saying we might see several inches of snow by tonight. Its going to be cooler with the high in the upper 30's and lows in the teen's.
Friday well see partly cloudy skies.

The snow still isn't bad. The conditions at this time are crusty in the mornings and softens up by 10 am. With the chance of snow today, we might not see it soften. If we do get a few inches of snow, it will make down hill slopes faster to go down. Be careful.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: It’s a choose your own adventure type of day. Dry snow still exists on high north facing slopes while spring corn conditions can be found if timed right on south facing and lower elevation terrain.

The snow will change quickly today. A surface crust that formed overnight due to below freezing temperatures will break down when exposed to warmer temps and sun. This will produce poor travel and increasingly unstable conditions video. We had an observation of skiers who found themselves slogging for over three hours to cover what would normally take a half hour due to isothermal snow conditions. My partner and I found similar conditions when skiing out of Beehive Basin around 1 p.m. yesterday. In the Bridger Range, a large wet loose avalanche was observed on Bridger Peak yesterday. It started as a small point release in an upper elevation rock band, but grew in size as it traveled down a majority of the slide path.

With a good freeze overnight, wet snow avalanches won’t be a problem until late morning-early afternoon. If skies stay cloudier than expected, wet snow instabilities shouldn’t be a problem above 9,000 ft. If the sun comes out in earnest, roller balls and point releases will be an issue on sun exposed slopes. If these signs of instability are present, it will be best to move to shadier aspects or away from steeper terrain.

For today, the wet snow avalanche danger will start out LOW in the morning and rise to MODERATE as the day heats up, especially on sun exposed slopes and mid to low elevation terrain. The dry snow avalanche danger on high north facing slopes is LOW.

CORNICE DANGER

Cornices are extra big this year and the warm temperatures will weaken their grip on the ridgelines. They can break far from the edge and can trigger large avalanches like this one observed last week in the Bridger Range.

 

[bearclawbob]

Sunny

Its going to be a great day to go ride. The sun is out and the temp's will be around the lower 40's. The temp's will drop to the lower 30's tomorrow with a 50% chance of snow and Sunday with the temp's staying the same and partly cloudy. Snow moves back in for Monday and Tuesday.

The last day for the bakery will be April 2. Terri will reopen around memorial day weekend. She will give you more dates for opening.
The bakery has been packed all week and Mom's motorsports will be back this Sunday.

I'm still waiting for my last shipment of BCA link radio's, I've got most of them sold.
Stop in and check out the latest helmets, great colors.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: It’s not snowing but at least it cooled off. Below freezing temperatures overnight combined with clear skies will produce a firm and locked up snowpack during the first half of the day. On all but high north facing slopes, a solid curst will exist on the snow surface creating stable conditions.

As the day progresses, snow conditions will change under the influence of warming temps and sun. If timed right, skiers and riders will enjoy good corn snow as the day heats up. If timed poorly, skiers and riders could endure a slog fest through breakable crust and isothermal mush video. Roller balls and pinwheels are obvious clues the upper layers of the snowpack are becoming unstable.

One saving grace will be increasing clouds and wind this afternoon. This could reduce the potential for wet snow avalanches, at least at higher elevations. I still expect snow on mid to low elevation slopes to become increasingly unstable as the day progresses.

It's worth noting – a few dry slab avalanches were observed on north facing slopes around Cooke City. This isn’t a widespread problem, but it’s something to consider if you’re skiing or riding in that area.

For today, the wet snow avalanche danger will start out LOW and rise to MODERATE as the day heats up, especially on sun exposed slopes and mid to low elevation terrain. The dry snow avalanche danger is LOW.

CORNICE DANGER

Cornices are extra big this year and the warm temperatures will weaken their grip on the ridgelines. They can break far from the edge and can trigger large avalanches like this one observed last week in the Bridger Range.

 

[bearclawbob]

lightly snowing

Its been lightly snowing since 5 am. But we really haven't seen it collecting yet. The ground is to warm in town to let it pile up. The snowman is calling for 3-5 inches by tomorrow. I feel we'll see it on the mountain.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS:Early morning snow showers urge an increase in avalanche danger today. The forecast is for light snow accumulations and calm wind, but the forecast could be wrong and just a few inches of snow will create small hazards. New snow will bond poorly to firm crusts and make loose avalanches easy to trigger. Small wind slabs could be found near ridgelines and have high consequences above cliffs or dense trees.

Yesterday, temperatures stayed relatively cool and allowed the snow surface to stay frozen and supportable after two nights of solid freeze. We went to take down the Hyalite weather station and found thick, supportable crusts on high elevation slopes through early afternoon. Ski patrols at Bridger Bowl and Big Sky were similarly satisfied with strong, supportable surface conditions through the day. Freezing temperatures last night and clear skies prior to early morning snow allowed the snow surface to again refreeze.

Today, cool temperatures and cloudy skies make wet avalanches deeper than the new snow unlikely. If the sun peeks out for just a few minutes or where temperatures are warmer (e.g., lower elevations) the new snow could get moist, and wet loose avalanches could run naturally or be easily triggered. Be aware of natural dry or wet loose avalanches from steep terrain overhead. I have been surprised more than once by small, but potentially high consequence sluffs during quickly changing spring conditions. The avalanche danger today is MODERATE.

Last week, skiers near Cooke City observed some deeper dry slab avalanches on north aspects and a group triggered two wind slabs on an east aspect. These deeper dry slabs are not widespread, but possible on shady high elevation slopes.

CORNICE DANGER

Cornices are extra big this year (photo) and warm temperatures weaken their grip on the ridgelines. They can break far from the edge and can trigger large avalanches like one observed last week in the Bridger Range

 

[bearclawbob]

SNOW

Walked out the door to find about an inch fresh powder on the level. The mountain picked up about 3-4 inches. The snowman is calling for snow through Tuesday and partly sunny for Wednesday. Temp's will stay in the mid to upper 30's to mid 20's at night.

Bakery is busy again this morning.
Mom's motorsports made it in early this morning.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Freezing overnight temperatures and cool days have maintained a thick, supportable crust at the surface of the snowpack on all except for shady high elevation slopes. The snowpack is generally stable and avalanche concerns are confined to a few inches of recent snow. Similar dry or wet loose avalanches are possible to trigger today or could run naturally in steep rocky terrain. Be aware of terrain overhead that could produce large loose snow avalanches during increasing temperatures or intermittent sunshine.

The sun is more powerful each day as it gets higher in the sky and the briefest bout of sunshine will make the snow surface moist and wet loose avalanches easier to trigger. Move to shadier slopes if you encounter signs of increasing wet avalanche hazard such as a moist snow surface, roller balls, or sink into wet snow deeper than your boot. Deeper wet slides, similar to a few in Beehive last week, will be possible when the surface crust melts. Today, relatively cool temperatures and cloud cover will minimize wet snow avalanche hazard and wet avalanches deeper than a few inches are unlikely.

Dry slab avalanches are unlikely, but may be encountered on shady slopes that do not have a firm refrozen crust below recent snow. Practice safe travel techniques, be diligent with snowpack assessment, and anticipate rapid changes during variable spring weather.

The avalanche danger today is LOW and will rise to MODERATE for wet snow avalanches this afternoon.

CORNICE DANGER

Cornices are extra big this year and warm temperatures weaken their grip on the ridgelines. They can break far from the edge and can trigger large avalanches on slopes below.

 

[bearclawbob]

SNOW

The snowman has put us in a winter storm warning from tonight till midnight Friday. We could see up to 18 inches of snow.
Went out riding today with a couple of friends from Bozeman and Jacob from Mom's, what a great day. Found up to 10 inches of snow in most places.

AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Today is a day of transition as another storm approaches. This morning sun will dampen the snow surface creating the possibility of wet loose avalanches. This danger will be short lived as increasing cloud cover and wind will keep significant melting at bay. Later this afternoon rain may occur at lower elevations. Rain on snow is bad and can quickly trigger widespread avalanches.

Light winds are moving snow and today they are forecasted to increase. Throughout our advisory area the dry snow avalanche danger is rated MODERATE on all wind-loaded terrain and LOW everywhere else. The wet snow avalanche danger will rise to MODERATE on slopes getting sun and if rain occurs, the danger will rise even more.

 

[jmom]

More fresh snow already dumping....
Sunday we had a dusting to start the day, Monday a little bit more, Tuesday was like ground hogs day with a fresh winter wonder land except we had sunshine to enjoy the fresh snow. Today it started snowing at about noon and continued through late afternoon. Now, it is kicking up and up to 18 is forecasted for this area including the top.

Big thanks to Bob and Terri for hosting our group of 16 this week. The hospitality has been great, the food top notch and the conditions are remarkable for spring riding.

Sunshine and Power=Good Times
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Sidehills, Spring Base, Fun Climbs
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