Cooke City Snow Conditions 2011/12

[JROD]

I'd say Daisy side would be better. I think you're going to run into more rocks over on the Lulu side. We do have some good pictures too, of stuck sleds and deep snow which makes it look amazing but those are only in a couple small areas and creek bottoms. You can still see well casings in the bottom of Daisy Pass and there was no shortage of rocks.

treehunter- Yes, we do need to go this winter, no excuses! But this sled isn't boosted yet. She's only got 30 miles on her and that was in Cooke!

P.S. Skiers have already reported avalanches over on Lulu so be careful if that's where you decide to go...

 

[freak485]

sounds like the early season snow pack is pretty unstable everywhere right now....hope cooke gets some more good snow this week to cover up them rocks more...i need to go on a tune and test ride!

 

[tymetoride]

i agree

i agree with JROD, definately needs more snow up there no doubt about it! we could see some slides way up high, definately not a very stable snow pack... i only hit one rock and it was on the side of the trail headed up to round lake.... but definately felt some stuff hitting the track underneath when going in some spots.... but it felt good to get out and get some miles on!

 

[LSB]

JRODs reports is pretty much what Im hearing from guests who are out riding. 3-4' but a lot of its bottomless. Thats typical for this time of the year. I hope to get out soon and start getting videos and pictures.

 

[LSB]

Snowing pretty good this morning, snotel up 4" since midnight. Ill keep you posted!

 

[Hiterhard]

heading there tomorrow! I can't wait! first ride, I'll try and get some pics posted for all you flat landers wishing you were here

 

[LSB]

We are supposed to get a good storm starting tomorrow night. Ill let you know.

 

[Cooksend]

Hows the stability of the snow? Is it settling?

Love the updates, keep them coming!

 

[LSB]

Started snowing last night, I must have been wrong. Got an inch plus in the backyard already and looks like it will keep coming down for now at least.


This is from the mtavalanche guys. They were just here a few days ago doing some digging and research.

The northern Gallatin Range and mountains around Cooke City:

Only two ranges in our forecast area have a deep snowpack: the northern Gallatin Range and mountains around Cooke City, which both have three to four feet of dense, supportable snow. Unfortunately, it's all overlying a foundation of weaker, faceted crystals. Outside Cooke City last weekend we investigated a snowmobiler triggered avalanche on Crown Butte and a natural slide on Fisher Peak. Both avalanches broke on a layer of unbonded, grainy snow. Dig a hole to the ground and you will find these loose crystals. With a similar snow structure, recent avalanche activity and poor stability test scores, if today’s storm materializes I expect to see natural avalanche activity in both the northern Gallatin Range and mountains around Cooke City tomorrow. Even without new snow it would be possible to trigger an avalanche today, but with it, the likelihood of avalanches will only increase, especially on slopes with fresh wind drifts.

 

[SWEETXPBEATCH]

Cooke City updates? Anyone been there this past week?

I know there was a thread running here, but I am haven't ponied up for a SW subscription. So, I can't read the 7th page of updates.
Here is a link to the Soda Butte Lodge web cam I found today. Any riding done this past week, weekend to report?
We are headed up 12/14. We don't have anything substantial here in UT.
http://www.cookecity.com/WC_TimeCamEast.htm

 

[Impatientforsnow]

Rode there couple days ago..3 outta 5 sleds made it out unwrecked..still a lot of rocks..not sure if it snowed last night..you might luck out and have enough snow by then..

 

[LSB]

Getting some good snow. It started last night and has kept on going. Ill keep you posted as to the final results. The stability has the "pro's" worried. That weak bottom layer still has them nervous.

 

[LSB]

yes we got snow last night, its stopped right now but looks like it could do more. Ill let you know. The the OP I was running two threads last year so that basic members could keep up.

 

[ndC7M8]

was out over thanksgiving. thought the snow was pretty decent. just had to ride smarter and keep your eyes open. saw several areas that had slid prior to us getting there by a day or two. plenty of great riding to do in the trees as long as you're careful. thinking of heading out on thursday again.

 

[Mr.Johnson]

How much did you guys get last night?

 

[bradlemieux7331]

See you guys Dec 13th

Can't wait till I get to get back to MT see you Dec 13th.

B-rad

 

[LSB]

Everyone do the snow dance... Looks like all over is dry for several days.

 

[LSB]

We got some more snow in the past couple of days. That helped the guys here for this weekend. Monday and Wednesday are going to bring more chances for snow. Ill keep you posted. I thought this year was supposed to be as wet as last year. Somebody got that forecast wrong, at least so far.

 

[SWEETXPBEATCH]

Great to meet you Bob

We were in your shop having breakfast again this am (great coooook!) We also had a visit from your friendly-tamed fox. Conditions were very good considering the limited snow every else in the west. The trail in/out of the riding area blew absolute chunks! They need to groom! Overall, great time, affordable, great people.
Thanks again

We got some more snow in the past couple of days. That helped the guys here for this weekend. Monday and Wednesday are going to bring more chances for snow. Ill keep you posted. I thought this year was supposed to be as wet as last year. Somebody got that forecast wrong, at least so far.

 

[LSB]

Im thinking you mean the other "Bob"

anyway it is starting to snow some tonight... Ill let you know if anything develops!