M
mafia-20
New member
Good to hear Rick and Jacob made it out, great group to ride out with and loved making the trip to Cooke in the Big rig. Hope you all have a great time and make sure Jacob post some pic's and videos.
Todd
Bearclaw Bob's
- Thread starter bearclawbob
- Start date
Good to hear Rick and Jacob made it out, great group to ride out with and loved making the trip to Cooke in the Big rig. Hope you all have a great time and make sure Jacob post some pic's and videos.
Todd
BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR again
Not a good morning in Cooke this morning, its 38 below. I'm headed to town to pick up new items for the store. I hope you'll like the things I bring in.
I'll report more when I get back.
Not a good morning in Cooke this morning, its 38 below. I'm headed to town to pick up new items for the store. I hope you'll like the things I bring in.
I'll report more when I get back.
if your bringing in dancing girls I'll come up, if not I have to stay in the shop. Please let me know I could use a break
Boy I tell ya just when you think your busy... Next year, welding all the cromoly with robotics. Can't do another chase your rear season. Hope all is well Jim? Talked to the guy you sold your old sled to the other day, seems pretty happy with it.
Warmer
Its another cool morning in Cooke city, At this time we are at 18 below and a high today will be zero. The snowman is calling for a high tomorrow of 13 above and warming up by Sunday. Sunday and Monday will be a 70% chance of snow.
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: The main cause of this activity is wind-blown snow sitting over near surface facets that formed during the recent cold weather. This setup has the potential to produce more human triggered avalanches today. The best way to avoid slides will be avoid all areas of wind drifted snow.
While most slides will stay confined to the upper layers of the snowpack, triggering a slide on facets near the ground is not out of the question. It has been close to a week since the last reported slide occurred on this layer, but I still don’t trust it. Watch for and avoid non-uniform terrain where slab thickness varies over a short distance (video). In addition to terrain management, I recommend digging a quick snowpit and testing the strength of this layer before committing to steeper slopes.
Today, wind slabs and weak layers make human triggered avalanches possible on wind loaded slopes and slopes steeper than 35 degrees which have a MODERATE avalanche danger. Less steep, non-wind loaded slopes have a LOW avalanche danger.
I would like to thank the avalanche center for putting on the classes each week. The classes will run into March. Don't forget the the class room is Friday nights from 6pm till 7:30pm . The course on the mountain starts at 10 am Saturdays on the mountain.
Its another cool morning in Cooke city, At this time we are at 18 below and a high today will be zero. The snowman is calling for a high tomorrow of 13 above and warming up by Sunday. Sunday and Monday will be a 70% chance of snow.
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: The main cause of this activity is wind-blown snow sitting over near surface facets that formed during the recent cold weather. This setup has the potential to produce more human triggered avalanches today. The best way to avoid slides will be avoid all areas of wind drifted snow.
While most slides will stay confined to the upper layers of the snowpack, triggering a slide on facets near the ground is not out of the question. It has been close to a week since the last reported slide occurred on this layer, but I still don’t trust it. Watch for and avoid non-uniform terrain where slab thickness varies over a short distance (video). In addition to terrain management, I recommend digging a quick snowpit and testing the strength of this layer before committing to steeper slopes.
Today, wind slabs and weak layers make human triggered avalanches possible on wind loaded slopes and slopes steeper than 35 degrees which have a MODERATE avalanche danger. Less steep, non-wind loaded slopes have a LOW avalanche danger.
I would like to thank the avalanche center for putting on the classes each week. The classes will run into March. Don't forget the the class room is Friday nights from 6pm till 7:30pm . The course on the mountain starts at 10 am Saturdays on the mountain.
Kicking it in Cooke, enjoying the warm up
Another great week at the Bearclaw Bakery enjoying the phenomenal food, cozying up and staying warm at the Super8 and wrenching at Beaclaw service doing some sled repairs and barrowing tools in the heated work space. Big thanks to Bob, Terry, Steve, Balinda and the staff for taking care of our group. If your visiting, be sure to visit Bob he has a heated shop, tools, gear, parts, great food and awesome deals on rentals including the NEW Gen4 Doos and the new Axis.
With the week drawing to a close, the temperatures are finally climbing up. Today was a great ride with a couple good buds despite the blistering temps. With a fresh dump in the forecast, this place should have some great snow soon.
Another great week at the Bearclaw Bakery enjoying the phenomenal food, cozying up and staying warm at the Super8 and wrenching at Beaclaw service doing some sled repairs and barrowing tools in the heated work space. Big thanks to Bob, Terry, Steve, Balinda and the staff for taking care of our group. If your visiting, be sure to visit Bob he has a heated shop, tools, gear, parts, great food and awesome deals on rentals including the NEW Gen4 Doos and the new Axis.
With the week drawing to a close, the temperatures are finally climbing up. Today was a great ride with a couple good buds despite the blistering temps. With a fresh dump in the forecast, this place should have some great snow soon.
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Great pictures
Thanks Jacob for the great pictures from yesterday. Not sure how you guys brave the cold. This morning the snowman couldn't move, he was froze to the ground. The temp was 18 below. Yesterday the snowman said it was going to warm up. WHEN!!!! Tomorrow we will start seeing above Zero temps. This area is in a Winter storm watch, they say we could see 2-4 feet, but I think is going south of us for that.
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS:Today’s advisory is sponsored by Mystery Ranch and Spark R&D. This advisory does not apply to operating ski areas.
The snowpack throughout the advisory area has multiple layers of weak sugary snow. Yesterday at Buck Ridge we found a weak snowpack and saw evidence of avalanches that broke on facets near the ground within the past week (video). Weak facets at the base of the snowpack are buried by 2-6 feet of snow and avalanches on this layer remain possible. Additionally, recent cold temperatures formed weak snow near the surface of the snowpack. Where snow depth is shallow (2-3 feet) the entire snowpack is faceted, sugary and weak. This weak snow will struggle to support new snow and wind slabs during the forecasted storm.
Without recent snow and wind-loading it is more difficult to trigger an avalanche on facets near the ground. Although these avalanches are less likely they present a tricky situation. The probability is low, but consequences are high. Obvious signs of instability are infrequent, and multiple riders could travel over an unstable snowpack before the slope is triggered by an unlucky rider. These large avalanches are more likely in terrain where slab thickness varies over a short distance. Dig a hole to look for weak snow before committing to steep terrain, and consider the consequences of a large avalanche.
Wind slabs are also possible today and will be easier to trigger where recently formed over weak snow near the surface. These slabs are likely near ridgelines and below convex slopes and cliff bands. Wind loaded slopes will be the most likely place to trigger an avalanche due to thick slabs and more weight over buried weak layers. Small slabs can be deadly in high consequence terrain and can trigger larger, more destructive avalanches.
Today wind-loaded slopes and slopes steeper than 35 degrees have a MODERATE avalanche danger. Less steep, non-wind loaded slopes have a LOW avalanche danger.
Sadly, there have been six avalanche fatalities over the past four weeks in the western U.S. Many of these have been experienced backcountry skiers, and occurred during various levels of danger. Cautious route finding, careful snowpack assessment, and conservative decision making are still essential despite decreased danger. The season is young, the snowpack is shallow and weak, and uncertainty is high. When uncertainty in snow stability is high, lower the consequences of the terrain.
Thanks Jacob for the great pictures from yesterday. Not sure how you guys brave the cold. This morning the snowman couldn't move, he was froze to the ground. The temp was 18 below. Yesterday the snowman said it was going to warm up. WHEN!!!! Tomorrow we will start seeing above Zero temps. This area is in a Winter storm watch, they say we could see 2-4 feet, but I think is going south of us for that.
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS:Today’s advisory is sponsored by Mystery Ranch and Spark R&D. This advisory does not apply to operating ski areas.
The snowpack throughout the advisory area has multiple layers of weak sugary snow. Yesterday at Buck Ridge we found a weak snowpack and saw evidence of avalanches that broke on facets near the ground within the past week (video). Weak facets at the base of the snowpack are buried by 2-6 feet of snow and avalanches on this layer remain possible. Additionally, recent cold temperatures formed weak snow near the surface of the snowpack. Where snow depth is shallow (2-3 feet) the entire snowpack is faceted, sugary and weak. This weak snow will struggle to support new snow and wind slabs during the forecasted storm.
Without recent snow and wind-loading it is more difficult to trigger an avalanche on facets near the ground. Although these avalanches are less likely they present a tricky situation. The probability is low, but consequences are high. Obvious signs of instability are infrequent, and multiple riders could travel over an unstable snowpack before the slope is triggered by an unlucky rider. These large avalanches are more likely in terrain where slab thickness varies over a short distance. Dig a hole to look for weak snow before committing to steep terrain, and consider the consequences of a large avalanche.
Wind slabs are also possible today and will be easier to trigger where recently formed over weak snow near the surface. These slabs are likely near ridgelines and below convex slopes and cliff bands. Wind loaded slopes will be the most likely place to trigger an avalanche due to thick slabs and more weight over buried weak layers. Small slabs can be deadly in high consequence terrain and can trigger larger, more destructive avalanches.
Today wind-loaded slopes and slopes steeper than 35 degrees have a MODERATE avalanche danger. Less steep, non-wind loaded slopes have a LOW avalanche danger.
Sadly, there have been six avalanche fatalities over the past four weeks in the western U.S. Many of these have been experienced backcountry skiers, and occurred during various levels of danger. Cautious route finding, careful snowpack assessment, and conservative decision making are still essential despite decreased danger. The season is young, the snowpack is shallow and weak, and uncertainty is high. When uncertainty in snow stability is high, lower the consequences of the terrain.
WARMER
Looked out this morning at 4 am to find 3 inches of snow. By 6 am we had 6 inches. At this time it has stopped, but the snowman is calling for another 6-8 inches by tomorrow morning.
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Today’s advisory is sponsored by Yellowstone Arctic Yamaha and Yamaha Motor Corp in partnership with the Friends of the Avalanche Center.
New snow and strong wind formed fresh wind slabs overnight. These slabs rest over weak snow near the surface of the snowpack, and add weight over weak layers near the base of the snowpack. I found weak snow throughout the snowpack at Buck Ridge on Friday. Weak snow formed near the surface of the snowpack during recent cold temperatures, and fresh slabs above this weak snow are easy for a skier or rider to trigger. These sensitive slabs could be 1-2 feet thick and are likely near ridgelines leeward to west-southwest winds.
Avalanches breaking on weak snow at the base of the snowpack are possible today. These slides are difficult to trigger, but large and destructive (video). Sugary, weak snow near the ground lies beneath 2-6 foot thick slabs and has produced large avalanches this season. See our photo page for a look at some of these slides. Snowfall last night totaled .4-.6” of snow water equivalent (SWE). This is not an alarming amount of weight, but wind-loading on a weak snowpack makes large avalanches possible. Wind loaded slopes will be the most likely place to trigger a large avalanche. These slopes have more weight above the weak snowpack, and a wind slab or avalanche in new snow could trigger a larger avalanche near the ground.
Fresh wind slabs and a weak snowpack make avalanches likely today. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE.
Mom's motorsports left late last night to avoid the storm.
The Bakery had a great week with everyone coming in for breakfast. Thanks to everyone for coming in.
Looked out this morning at 4 am to find 3 inches of snow. By 6 am we had 6 inches. At this time it has stopped, but the snowman is calling for another 6-8 inches by tomorrow morning.
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Today’s advisory is sponsored by Yellowstone Arctic Yamaha and Yamaha Motor Corp in partnership with the Friends of the Avalanche Center.
New snow and strong wind formed fresh wind slabs overnight. These slabs rest over weak snow near the surface of the snowpack, and add weight over weak layers near the base of the snowpack. I found weak snow throughout the snowpack at Buck Ridge on Friday. Weak snow formed near the surface of the snowpack during recent cold temperatures, and fresh slabs above this weak snow are easy for a skier or rider to trigger. These sensitive slabs could be 1-2 feet thick and are likely near ridgelines leeward to west-southwest winds.
Avalanches breaking on weak snow at the base of the snowpack are possible today. These slides are difficult to trigger, but large and destructive (video). Sugary, weak snow near the ground lies beneath 2-6 foot thick slabs and has produced large avalanches this season. See our photo page for a look at some of these slides. Snowfall last night totaled .4-.6” of snow water equivalent (SWE). This is not an alarming amount of weight, but wind-loading on a weak snowpack makes large avalanches possible. Wind loaded slopes will be the most likely place to trigger a large avalanche. These slopes have more weight above the weak snowpack, and a wind slab or avalanche in new snow could trigger a larger avalanche near the ground.
Fresh wind slabs and a weak snowpack make avalanches likely today. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE.
Mom's motorsports left late last night to avoid the storm.
The Bakery had a great week with everyone coming in for breakfast. Thanks to everyone for coming in.
quick up date
I'm headed off to plow. We've picked up another 6-8 inches this morning and its still snowing. Not headed to town, not sure if Terri will go either. The winds has picked up, not sure how the roads down country will be.
Will give you an up date later.
I'm headed off to plow. We've picked up another 6-8 inches this morning and its still snowing. Not headed to town, not sure if Terri will go either. The winds has picked up, not sure how the roads down country will be.
Will give you an up date later.
Winter storm watch
The snowman has kept us in a winter storm watch until Thursday at 6 am. We could see up to 18 inches of more snow by then. This area is also in a AVALANCHE WARNING until Wednesday morning.
The temps are to be in the mid 20's to lower 30's for the rest of the week.
The area picked up at least 2 feet in the mountains and over a foot in town.
I forget to mention that the Avalanche sign is on the front of the building letting you know the conditions.
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: AVALANCHE WARNING
ISSUED ON JANUARY 10 2017 at 5 a.m.
The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center is issuing a Backcountry Avalanche Warning for the mountains around Cooke City. Heavy snowfall in the last 36 hours with strong westerly winds is adding weight to a weak and unstable snowpack. The avalanche danger is rated HIGH on all slopes. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely today. Avalanche terrain and avalanche runout zones should be avoided.
This warning will expire or be updated by 6:00 a.m. on January 11th, 2017.
The snowman has kept us in a winter storm watch until Thursday at 6 am. We could see up to 18 inches of more snow by then. This area is also in a AVALANCHE WARNING until Wednesday morning.
The temps are to be in the mid 20's to lower 30's for the rest of the week.
The area picked up at least 2 feet in the mountains and over a foot in town.
I forget to mention that the Avalanche sign is on the front of the building letting you know the conditions.
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: AVALANCHE WARNING
ISSUED ON JANUARY 10 2017 at 5 a.m.
The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center is issuing a Backcountry Avalanche Warning for the mountains around Cooke City. Heavy snowfall in the last 36 hours with strong westerly winds is adding weight to a weak and unstable snowpack. The avalanche danger is rated HIGH on all slopes. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely today. Avalanche terrain and avalanche runout zones should be avoided.
This warning will expire or be updated by 6:00 a.m. on January 11th, 2017.
Was in Cooke with the Moms crew last week. Thanks for the great service Bob. Tell Terry and Helen the food was fantastic, cant wait for the next trip.
L
L
ground hog day
If you ever seen the movie ground hog day. That's what we are having here. Yesterday morning walked down stairs to find over 20 inches of fresh powder.
Today we picked up another 3 inches over night. The snowman is calling for SUNNY skies for the next 4 days.
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Today’s advisory is sponsored by Cooke City Super 8/Bearclaw Bob’s and Gallatin Valley Snowmobile Assoc.
The avalanche warning has expired with the snowstorm. Since Sunday night the mountains got 4’ of snow (3.5” of SWE) with strong winds that blew at all elevations. Avalanches released naturally on a thin layer of facets underneath the new snow. I was in Cooke City and made a video showing this layer breaking in my tests. Yesterday morning I awoke to 2’ of new snow. My partner and I pinned our throttles and plowed up Miller and Fisher drainages where avalanches released in the night, many barely visible from all the fresh snow. I made another video of avalanches near Lulu Pass. All the slides looked like they broke at the new/old snow interface. There is another weak layer at the ground, but I have no evidence that avalanches released on it.
Avalanches are likely today, especially from skiers or snowmobilers that venture onto steep slopes. Over the next few days the likelihood of triggering slides will decrease, but deadly potential will remain. For today, the avalanche danger remains HIGH on any slope steeper than 35 degrees…most open slopes around Cooke. Lower-angled terrain will have a CONSIDERABLE danger, a serious level of danger.
I do rent sleds if you are looking to rent, along with all avalanche equipment.
If you ever seen the movie ground hog day. That's what we are having here. Yesterday morning walked down stairs to find over 20 inches of fresh powder.
Today we picked up another 3 inches over night. The snowman is calling for SUNNY skies for the next 4 days.
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Today’s advisory is sponsored by Cooke City Super 8/Bearclaw Bob’s and Gallatin Valley Snowmobile Assoc.
The avalanche warning has expired with the snowstorm. Since Sunday night the mountains got 4’ of snow (3.5” of SWE) with strong winds that blew at all elevations. Avalanches released naturally on a thin layer of facets underneath the new snow. I was in Cooke City and made a video showing this layer breaking in my tests. Yesterday morning I awoke to 2’ of new snow. My partner and I pinned our throttles and plowed up Miller and Fisher drainages where avalanches released in the night, many barely visible from all the fresh snow. I made another video of avalanches near Lulu Pass. All the slides looked like they broke at the new/old snow interface. There is another weak layer at the ground, but I have no evidence that avalanches released on it.
Avalanches are likely today, especially from skiers or snowmobilers that venture onto steep slopes. Over the next few days the likelihood of triggering slides will decrease, but deadly potential will remain. For today, the avalanche danger remains HIGH on any slope steeper than 35 degrees…most open slopes around Cooke. Lower-angled terrain will have a CONSIDERABLE danger, a serious level of danger.
I do rent sleds if you are looking to rent, along with all avalanche equipment.
Sunny
Good afternoon on this bright sunny day. The snowman has been right on the sun. We should see if for the next two days. We won't see a chance of snow until Thursday of next week.
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Today’s advisory is sponsored by Katabatic Brewery and Wisetail.
Cooke City
The snowpack around Cooke City is still adjusting to the 3+ feet of snow that fell earlier in the week. Natural avalanches occurred during and immediately after the storm - many of these propagated long distances and ran full track (photo, photo, video). These slides likely failed on a layer of near surface facets that formed prior to the storm during the extended period of cold weather.
While natural avalanche activity has subsided, the potential for human triggered avalanches remains. Given the current snowpack structure, I would continue to be extra cautious when riding on or underneath steeper slopes. While most slides will stay confined to the upper 3 feet of the snowpack, there is the potential for slides to fail on weak layers near the ground. Regardless of what layer an avalanche is triggered on, it will likely be large and dangerous.
Today, all necessary ingredients for avalanches exist making human triggered avalanches likely. For this reason the avalanche danger is rated CONSIDERABLE on all slopes.
Been a really busy day today. Not as busy as last Wednesday was.
Good afternoon on this bright sunny day. The snowman has been right on the sun. We should see if for the next two days. We won't see a chance of snow until Thursday of next week.
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Today’s advisory is sponsored by Katabatic Brewery and Wisetail.
Cooke City
The snowpack around Cooke City is still adjusting to the 3+ feet of snow that fell earlier in the week. Natural avalanches occurred during and immediately after the storm - many of these propagated long distances and ran full track (photo, photo, video). These slides likely failed on a layer of near surface facets that formed prior to the storm during the extended period of cold weather.
While natural avalanche activity has subsided, the potential for human triggered avalanches remains. Given the current snowpack structure, I would continue to be extra cautious when riding on or underneath steeper slopes. While most slides will stay confined to the upper 3 feet of the snowpack, there is the potential for slides to fail on weak layers near the ground. Regardless of what layer an avalanche is triggered on, it will likely be large and dangerous.
Today, all necessary ingredients for avalanches exist making human triggered avalanches likely. For this reason the avalanche danger is rated CONSIDERABLE on all slopes.
Been a really busy day today. Not as busy as last Wednesday was.
still sunny
Another great day to ride here in Cooke city. Good afternoon from Bearclaw/bakery and the Super 8.
The sun will be here till Tuesday and by Thursday we could see a 40% chance of snow and Friday a 30% chance. The temps are going to stay in the mid 20's and in the teens at night.
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Today’s advisory is sponsored by Bridger Bowl and Montana State Parks.
Large natural avalanches occurred last week near Cooke City during and immediately after 3-4 feet of snow fell. These slides likely failed on weak facets buried below the recent storm snow. Many of these avalanches propagated wide and ran into flat terrain. In the mountains near Big Sky and West Yellowstone weak facets are buried below 2-3 feet of last week’s storm snow. After the storm, natural avalanches were observed on Fan Mountain near Big Sky and a snowmobiler in the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone triggered two slides from flat terrain below. Yesterday, riders near West Yellowstone experienced a collapse in low angle terrain and found unstable test results below the recent snow.
Eric was at Buck Ridge yesterday, and I was at Taylor Fork on Friday and Beehive Thursday. We did not see recent avalanche activity and Eric witnessed a stable snowpack yesterday. However, I found unstable test results on facets below the recent snow in both places. These tests are indicators that avalanches are possible to trigger. The tricky part is many slopes are stable and signs of instability are scarce. Travel cautiously in and below avalanche terrain and carefully evaluate the snowpack before committing to steep slopes. Large avalanches are possible to trigger today and the danger is MODERATE.
Another great day to ride here in Cooke city. Good afternoon from Bearclaw/bakery and the Super 8.
The sun will be here till Tuesday and by Thursday we could see a 40% chance of snow and Friday a 30% chance. The temps are going to stay in the mid 20's and in the teens at night.
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Today’s advisory is sponsored by Bridger Bowl and Montana State Parks.
Large natural avalanches occurred last week near Cooke City during and immediately after 3-4 feet of snow fell. These slides likely failed on weak facets buried below the recent storm snow. Many of these avalanches propagated wide and ran into flat terrain. In the mountains near Big Sky and West Yellowstone weak facets are buried below 2-3 feet of last week’s storm snow. After the storm, natural avalanches were observed on Fan Mountain near Big Sky and a snowmobiler in the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone triggered two slides from flat terrain below. Yesterday, riders near West Yellowstone experienced a collapse in low angle terrain and found unstable test results below the recent snow.
Eric was at Buck Ridge yesterday, and I was at Taylor Fork on Friday and Beehive Thursday. We did not see recent avalanche activity and Eric witnessed a stable snowpack yesterday. However, I found unstable test results on facets below the recent snow in both places. These tests are indicators that avalanches are possible to trigger. The tricky part is many slopes are stable and signs of instability are scarce. Travel cautiously in and below avalanche terrain and carefully evaluate the snowpack before committing to steep slopes. Large avalanches are possible to trigger today and the danger is MODERATE.
BRRRRRRRRRR
Chilly morning 8 below. Waking up at 3:30 am for a wrecker call. Some one tried driving out of town going East, they didn't make it.
Hi ho, hi ho off to town we go, to pick up supplies. The snowman is still calling for sunny skies for the next 2 days. The chance of snow for Thursday went up to 50%.
The riding is great at this time. Starting to see a base set up and you can still get stuck up to your handle bars.
We'll report to you more tonight.
Chilly morning 8 below. Waking up at 3:30 am for a wrecker call. Some one tried driving out of town going East, they didn't make it.
Hi ho, hi ho off to town we go, to pick up supplies. The snowman is still calling for sunny skies for the next 2 days. The chance of snow for Thursday went up to 50%.
The riding is great at this time. Starting to see a base set up and you can still get stuck up to your handle bars.
We'll report to you more tonight.
great day to ride.
It was a great day to go out and ride. The temp's got to 25 degrees, bright blue skies and no wind. Tomorrow should be the same. The snowman is calling snow on Friday
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Today’s advisory is sponsored by Montana Ale Works and Mystery Ranch.
The snowpack has two weak layers of sugary facets: a thin layer formed during the cold weather 10 days ago and a thick layer at the ground. Yesterday, Alex and I skied into Beehive Basin north of Big Sky to look at the natural avalanche that occurred Sunday afternoon. A small, wet loose avalanche likely triggered this SW facing slope at 9200’. A person could just have easily triggered it. The slope was steep, thinly covered and had very weak snow on the ground (depth hoar).
Two groups of skiers in Hyalite took photos of avalanches yesterday, one triggered by a goat. One party got shooting cracks and collapsing on a wind-loaded slope along with poor stability test scores in multiple snowpits. Their diligence to dig and reassess coupled with a heightened awareness to signs of instability is a great example of safe and thoughtful backcountry travel. An avalanche last Thursday in Lionhead, collapsing in Cabin Creek (S. Madison Range) over the weekend and a small avalanche outside Cooke City in Yellowstone yesterday point to lingering instability.
Sugary snow at the ground is creating a poor snow structure and has kept me from trusting steep slopes. Triggering deeper avalanches from thinner areas of the slope is a concern. Since the storm 5 days ago avalanches have become less likely, but remain possible which Eric outlines in his video on Buck Ridge on Saturday. For today, the avalanche danger is rated MODERATE on all slopes.
Above-freezing temperatures and direct sunshine will create loose, wet avalanches today. Like we saw in Beehive Basin, these have the possibility to trigger slopes.
It was a great day to go out and ride. The temp's got to 25 degrees, bright blue skies and no wind. Tomorrow should be the same. The snowman is calling snow on Friday
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Today’s advisory is sponsored by Montana Ale Works and Mystery Ranch.
The snowpack has two weak layers of sugary facets: a thin layer formed during the cold weather 10 days ago and a thick layer at the ground. Yesterday, Alex and I skied into Beehive Basin north of Big Sky to look at the natural avalanche that occurred Sunday afternoon. A small, wet loose avalanche likely triggered this SW facing slope at 9200’. A person could just have easily triggered it. The slope was steep, thinly covered and had very weak snow on the ground (depth hoar).
Two groups of skiers in Hyalite took photos of avalanches yesterday, one triggered by a goat. One party got shooting cracks and collapsing on a wind-loaded slope along with poor stability test scores in multiple snowpits. Their diligence to dig and reassess coupled with a heightened awareness to signs of instability is a great example of safe and thoughtful backcountry travel. An avalanche last Thursday in Lionhead, collapsing in Cabin Creek (S. Madison Range) over the weekend and a small avalanche outside Cooke City in Yellowstone yesterday point to lingering instability.
Sugary snow at the ground is creating a poor snow structure and has kept me from trusting steep slopes. Triggering deeper avalanches from thinner areas of the slope is a concern. Since the storm 5 days ago avalanches have become less likely, but remain possible which Eric outlines in his video on Buck Ridge on Saturday. For today, the avalanche danger is rated MODERATE on all slopes.
Above-freezing temperatures and direct sunshine will create loose, wet avalanches today. Like we saw in Beehive Basin, these have the possibility to trigger slopes.
sunny and warmer
Afternoon from Bearclaw/bakery and the Super 8 motel. Today we'll see more sun and warmer temp's for today. We could see cloudy skies by tomorrow and a 50% chance of snow for Friday.
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: South of Bozeman to Big Sky, West Yellowstone and Cooke City, the snowpack has 2 weak layers responsible for avalanches, collapsing and poor stability test scores (snowpits). One layer is on the ground and the other formed at the surface before the last snowstorm ended 6 days ago. Since then, the likelihood of triggering avalanches has decreased, but remains possible. A natural avalanche in Beehive Basin on Sunday failed on weak, sugary snow at the ground (depth hoar) when a small, wet loose avalanche hit a thin part of the slope. Alex and I investigated the slide and made a video. Skiers in the northern Gallatin Range on Monday saw recent avalanches and had collapsing and cracking on wind-loaded slopes. Separately, Alex and Eric found improving stability on the depth hoar facets atSouth of Bozeman to Big Sky, West Yellowstone and Cooke City, the snowpack has 2 weak layers responsible for avalanches, collapsing and poor stability test scores (snowpits). One layer is on the ground and the other formed at the surface before the last snowstorm ended 6 days ago. Since then, the likelihood of triggering avalanches has decreased, but remains possible. A natural avalanche in Beehive Basin on Sunday failed on weak, sugary snow at the ground (depth hoar) when a small, wet loose avalanche hit a thin part of the slope (photo). Alex and I investigated the slide and made a video. Skiers in the northern Gallatin Range on Monday saw recent avalanches (photo1, photo2) and had collapsing and cracking on wind-loaded slopes. Separately, Alex and Eric found improving stability on the depth hoar facets at the ground in Bacon Rind and Taylor Fork late last week. Around Cooke City the snowpack is 5-7 feet deep and is holding together after last week’s large snowstorm. Recent avalanches have been small (photo) and the ability to trigger slides is decreasing, but on the edges of slopes where the snowpack is thin the weight of a skier or snowmobiler could trigger a deep avalanche.
Eric outlines our snowpack concerns succinctly in this video he made up Buck Ridge on Saturday. The snowpack structures has not changed since then, just the chances of triggering avalanches. For today, the avalanche danger is rated MODERATE. Additionally, if temperatures are above-freezing and skies remain clear, sun exposed slopes will have wet loose avalanches. the ground in Bacon Rind and Taylor Fork late last week. Around Cooke City the snowpack is 5-7 feet deep and is holding together after last week’s large snowstorm. Recent avalanches have been small and the ability to trigger slides is decreasing, but on the edges of slopes where the snowpack is thin the weight of a skier or snowmobiler could trigger a deep avalanche.
Eric outlines our snowpack concerns succinctly in this video he made up Buck Ridge on Saturday. The snowpack structures has not changed since then, just the chances of triggering avalanches. For today, the avalanche danger is rated MODERATE. Additionally, if temperatures are above-freezing and skies remain clear, sun exposed slopes will have wet loose avalanches.
Afternoon from Bearclaw/bakery and the Super 8 motel. Today we'll see more sun and warmer temp's for today. We could see cloudy skies by tomorrow and a 50% chance of snow for Friday.
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: South of Bozeman to Big Sky, West Yellowstone and Cooke City, the snowpack has 2 weak layers responsible for avalanches, collapsing and poor stability test scores (snowpits). One layer is on the ground and the other formed at the surface before the last snowstorm ended 6 days ago. Since then, the likelihood of triggering avalanches has decreased, but remains possible. A natural avalanche in Beehive Basin on Sunday failed on weak, sugary snow at the ground (depth hoar) when a small, wet loose avalanche hit a thin part of the slope. Alex and I investigated the slide and made a video. Skiers in the northern Gallatin Range on Monday saw recent avalanches and had collapsing and cracking on wind-loaded slopes. Separately, Alex and Eric found improving stability on the depth hoar facets atSouth of Bozeman to Big Sky, West Yellowstone and Cooke City, the snowpack has 2 weak layers responsible for avalanches, collapsing and poor stability test scores (snowpits). One layer is on the ground and the other formed at the surface before the last snowstorm ended 6 days ago. Since then, the likelihood of triggering avalanches has decreased, but remains possible. A natural avalanche in Beehive Basin on Sunday failed on weak, sugary snow at the ground (depth hoar) when a small, wet loose avalanche hit a thin part of the slope (photo). Alex and I investigated the slide and made a video. Skiers in the northern Gallatin Range on Monday saw recent avalanches (photo1, photo2) and had collapsing and cracking on wind-loaded slopes. Separately, Alex and Eric found improving stability on the depth hoar facets at the ground in Bacon Rind and Taylor Fork late last week. Around Cooke City the snowpack is 5-7 feet deep and is holding together after last week’s large snowstorm. Recent avalanches have been small (photo) and the ability to trigger slides is decreasing, but on the edges of slopes where the snowpack is thin the weight of a skier or snowmobiler could trigger a deep avalanche.
Eric outlines our snowpack concerns succinctly in this video he made up Buck Ridge on Saturday. The snowpack structures has not changed since then, just the chances of triggering avalanches. For today, the avalanche danger is rated MODERATE. Additionally, if temperatures are above-freezing and skies remain clear, sun exposed slopes will have wet loose avalanches. the ground in Bacon Rind and Taylor Fork late last week. Around Cooke City the snowpack is 5-7 feet deep and is holding together after last week’s large snowstorm. Recent avalanches have been small and the ability to trigger slides is decreasing, but on the edges of slopes where the snowpack is thin the weight of a skier or snowmobiler could trigger a deep avalanche.
Eric outlines our snowpack concerns succinctly in this video he made up Buck Ridge on Saturday. The snowpack structures has not changed since then, just the chances of triggering avalanches. For today, the avalanche danger is rated MODERATE. Additionally, if temperatures are above-freezing and skies remain clear, sun exposed slopes will have wet loose avalanches.
Light dusting
Afternoon from Cooke city. The snowman is calling for snow today. It did snow over night and from that, we picked up about an inch. Its going to be sunny for tomorrow and a chance of snow coming back into the picture for Sunday through Tuesday. Wednesday through Saturday, we're going to see below temp's at night.
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Today’s advisory is in memory of Tyler Stetson. Tyler was killed in an avalanche in Beehive Basin on this day nine years ago. This advisory does not apply to operating ski areas.
The snowpack has two distinct weak layers capable of producing avalanches. One exists mid-pack and the other near the ground. The lack of snow over the past week combined with warmer temperatures have helped these weak layers gain strength. On Wednesday, Doug got stable results in three different snowpits in the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone (video).
Although buried weak layers are gaining strength, areas of unstable snow still exist. A few natural avalanches earlier in the week are a good reminder that not all slopes are stable (photo, photo, photo, video). Today, use heightened awareness when traveling in steeper terrain, especially areas that have been previously wind loaded. Winds have been relatively calm the past 24 hours, but blew hard earlier in the week out of the W-SW. Areas of wind drifted snow, mainly below upper elevation ridgelines, still have the potential to fail under the weight of a skier or rider.
While the snowpack is trending towards stability, human triggered avalanches remain possible and the avalanche danger is rated MODERATE.
Hey guys, I've gotten 20 more BCA Link radios in, make sure you get yours. You can call me to hold them for you.
I've had several people ask why they didn't get a Snowest discount.
You must tell then at time of booking for the discount, if you don't, you won't get it.
Afternoon from Cooke city. The snowman is calling for snow today. It did snow over night and from that, we picked up about an inch. Its going to be sunny for tomorrow and a chance of snow coming back into the picture for Sunday through Tuesday. Wednesday through Saturday, we're going to see below temp's at night.
AVALANCHE CONDITIONS: Today’s advisory is in memory of Tyler Stetson. Tyler was killed in an avalanche in Beehive Basin on this day nine years ago. This advisory does not apply to operating ski areas.
The snowpack has two distinct weak layers capable of producing avalanches. One exists mid-pack and the other near the ground. The lack of snow over the past week combined with warmer temperatures have helped these weak layers gain strength. On Wednesday, Doug got stable results in three different snowpits in the Lionhead area near West Yellowstone (video).
Although buried weak layers are gaining strength, areas of unstable snow still exist. A few natural avalanches earlier in the week are a good reminder that not all slopes are stable (photo, photo, photo, video). Today, use heightened awareness when traveling in steeper terrain, especially areas that have been previously wind loaded. Winds have been relatively calm the past 24 hours, but blew hard earlier in the week out of the W-SW. Areas of wind drifted snow, mainly below upper elevation ridgelines, still have the potential to fail under the weight of a skier or rider.
While the snowpack is trending towards stability, human triggered avalanches remain possible and the avalanche danger is rated MODERATE.
Hey guys, I've gotten 20 more BCA Link radios in, make sure you get yours. You can call me to hold them for you.
I've had several people ask why they didn't get a Snowest discount.
You must tell then at time of booking for the discount, if you don't, you won't get it.
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