Too deep? Gen 5? Here’s a pic from today dug down to the bars and rode right out. Not IP don’t get too excited. 
Island Park / West Yellowstone Riding Conditions for 2023-2024
- Thread starter christopher
- Start date
You got me !
Okay
WHERE was this photo taken?
Buffalo pass CO. Looks like another 35-45 last night.
Is it sugary in ip?
down deep there are places absolutely.
All of this snow will push the avy danger UP for sure.
While we have a lot of base now, its NOT great condition wise.
Forecasts – Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
bridgertetonavalanchecenter.org
BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE FORECAST
TETONS
AVALANCHE WATCH
ISSUED Thursday, January 11, 2024 - 8:00AMEXPIRES Friday, January 12, 2024 - 8:00AM
Dangerous avalanche conditions will continue today above 7500’. Recent snow sits above a very weak layer where large avalanches could be triggered remotely from gentle slopes above, below, or to the side of steep terrain. Due to the unpredictable nature of these avalanches, cautious route-finding to avoid steep slopes will be necessary.
Multiple avalanches were reported yesterday. Click here to view all the observations in the Tetons highlighting unstable snow .
((NOTE: its HARD to get above 9,000ft for riding in the IP/West yellowstone area))
Historically dry conditions in December formed a widespread weak layer across all elevations and most aspects that is now buried 1-2.5 feet below the snow surface. The slab quality of recent snow above this weak layer is primed for avalanches with its upside down character due to increased temperatures and wind during active loading. Numerous avalanches were reported yesterday. Triggering a large avalanche on this weak layer will remain likely today in middle and upper elevations. These avalanches can be triggered remotely and on unsuspecting treed slopes. Don't let this catch you off guard. Areas with the highest likelihood of triggering will be on wind loaded slopes where slabs depths could be closer to 3 feet. Look for obvious signs of instability such as cracking and collapsing as these are clear indications of unstable snow.
Deeper weak layers formed in November are buried around 3 feet above hard slabs. The potential for avalanches triggered on the weak layer mentioned above could step down to these deeper layers causing an even larger, destructive avalanche.
FORECAST DISCUSSION
A Deadly RecipeToday we are transitioning from a wind slab to persistent slab problem. Wind slabs will still be out there, but they will fail on the 1/4 persistent weak layer. This weak layer consists of well developed facets and surface hoar. The character of this weak layer combined with a firm, cohesive slab has created a deadly recipe for avalanches. Everyone (including myself) has been waiting patiently for the snow to fall. We have all been longing for some good powder riding. Don’t let this desire inhibit your decision making today. There are plenty of clear indications that the recent snow is very unstable. Today is a great day to enjoy that deep powder in lower angle terrain and don’t let that powder brain lure you into those steeper slopes.
Thank you to everyone who submitted observations yesterday.
Was just wondering cause my absolute worst stuck was when I trenched myself down into this deep sugar and fell into a hole in a creek bed lol. Was awful and I this just due there. Had no idea the sugar snow could swallow a guy before that day lol. Now iam a little better and wonder how it’ll feel and how it affects the riding? Guess I’ll find out lol! It’s definitely dangerous out. They said there are slopes with “rolling slides” in the forecast area. Just the hillside slurring in total with no slab. So be careful above 25•!
Today in Island Park
It was a good day here!
Will be up there riding all day Friday
It’s -23 here in bozo…hopefully warmer for you guys!!!
6 above here.
Very nice, -37 in Calgary this morning. We will try to keep it here for you guys!!
I
inspectorgadget
Well-known member
Still home in the east. My weather app says -was 24ºF this am in WYS.
-36 at our house this morning.
Ok, I’ll play. -40f here in Gallatin Gateway MT
Yesterday was nothing short of OUTSTANDING RIDING>
18" Fresh everywhere
24" Fresh anywhere that was protected from the wind
30" Fresh in the trees.
FREAKING FABULOUS DAY in island park.
COLD and BLUE SKIES.
18" Fresh everywhere
24" Fresh anywhere that was protected from the wind
30" Fresh in the trees.
FREAKING FABULOUS DAY in island park.
COLD and BLUE SKIES.
