19-20

<p>The southern mountains from Big Sky to West Yellowstone got 6-8” of snow measuring .6” of snow water equivalent (<strong><a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/or/snow/?cid=nrcs142p2…;). At the ground is a thick layer of unstable and sugary snow that will struggle to support the weight of today’s snowfall. Also, the new snow will not bond well to the old snow surface. Snowfall and strong wind are creating dangerous avalanche conditions. If you venture onto or underneath steep slopes <em>you are likely to trigger an avalanche</em>. For today the avalanche danger is rated CONSIDERABLE on all slopes.</p>

<p>The Bridger Range has 5” of new snow (.6” SWE) while the northern Gallatin and northern Madison Ranges received 3-4” (.3” SWE). Winds have been strong out of the west and gusting to 60 mph at the <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/weather/stations/hyalite-weather-station">H… weather station</a>. The new snow will not adhere very well to the old snow surface (small, faceted grains and surface hoar). This was evident yesterday in Hyalite when skiers triggered a shallow wind slab from afar (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/skier-remotely-triggered-small-wi…;) and an ice climber got hit with a large loose snow avalanche (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/21405">details</a></strong&gt;). North of Bridger Bowl, Ian got cracks shooting out from his ski tips in wind-drifted snow (<strong><a href="https://youtu.be/Y3J2BztCbDc">video</a></strong&gt;). For today, new snow and wind are creating a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger on wind-loaded slopes. Slopes without a wind load will have a MODERATE danger. Avoid all slopes with wind-drifted snow and turn around if you see shooting cracks or avalanche activity.</p>

<p>The mountains around Cooke City have 3” of new snow and southwest wind blowing 10-25 mph. Snowfall and wind will continue today and slopes that are wind-loaded are the biggest concern. The new snow will not bond well to the old surface and this interface is where most avalanche activity will occur. Additionally, there is weak snow at the ground which will become increasingly stressed from the weight of today’s snow. Avalanches from Friday (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/avalanche-activity">details</a></strong&gt;) and our field investigation on Sunday and Monday show the potential for deep avalanches that could be triggered from thinner areas of a slope (<strong><a href="https://youtu.be/INHkAhf3L5o">video</a></strong&gt; of recent activity on Henderson, <strong><a href="https://youtu.be/FAgWx6yXR2U">video</a&gt; </strong>of Mt. Abundance). For today, avoid slopes that have been recently wind-loaded and stick to lower angled terrain. &nbsp;The avalanche danger is rated CONSIDERABLE on wind-loaded slopes and MODERATE on all others.</p>

<p>If you get out, please send us your observations no matter how brief. You can fill out an&nbsp;<u><strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/add/snow_observation">observation form</a></strong></u>, email us (<u><strong><a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com">mtavalanche@gmail.com</a></strong></u&gt;), leave a VM at 406-587-6984, or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>