Evening
Evening from Bearclaw/ Bakery and the Super 8 motel. We had drizzle most of the day. The roads got soupy , but the riding has been good. Been out plowing for the snow we picked up yesterday and last night. It's added about 7 inches from the storm.
The snowman is calling for lower 40's on Thanksgiving. The a 50% chance of snow on Friday.
The base is great, best its been for years at this time. Good news, Doug from the Avalanche center was up for two days and found stable snowpack. But don't stop looking and watching for poor conditions.
The first AVALANCHE CLASS will start Nov. 24 at the Super 8 motel. Its from 6pm-7:30pm and its FREE.
Avalanche conditions: The main avalanche concern today is fresh drifts formed by recent snow and wind. On wind loaded slopes it will be possible to trigger an avalanche. Fresh drifts of snow could be triggered by skiers, climbers, or snowmobilers. Avoid these drifts that are likely found near ridge lines or along the steep edges of gullies. A small slide can be harmful in the wrong terrain, and it is possible for a slide to break deeper into old snow.
Throughout our advisory area the mountains have 3-5 feet of snow with 6 feet near Cooke City. Heavy, dense snowfall since mid-September was accompanied by relatively warm temperatures to promote a generally stable snowpack with a lack of widespread weak layers. Doug and Eric are in Cooke City where they checked many slopes yesterday and found a deep, stable snowpack. Eric was in Beehive last weekend and was cautiously optimistic about stability. These are a few data points within a large advisory area, and stability can change over a short distance. Before committing to ride in avalanche terrain, dig to assess the snowpack on slopes similar to those you plan to ride for the day.
Rain and above freezing temperatures are bad for stability, and are unusual weather for late November when there is already 3-5 feet of snow on the ground. Unusual weather creates unusual avalanches. If you get out to earn your turkey for Thanksgiving, be ready to adjust your plan to unexpected or changing conditions. Avoid avalanche terrain if there is more than a few inches of unconsolidated, wet snow on the surface, or if you see loose avalanches or pinwheels.
The bakery will be open for breakfast in the morning, but no dinner for Thanksgiving. The Dinner's will start on Friday night. We'll see you for Breakfast. Have a safe drive in.