This 2-foot deep snowpit consisted of layers of crusts and facets. It was dug on a SW aspect at 9800' in Miller Drainage. Nothing broke clean in our stability tests and we are optimistic about it handling a load of new snow. Photo: GNFAC
19-20
We dug two pits, one on a SW aspect in the Rasta Chute off Scotch Bonnet Peak (marked with arrow) and another low on Fisher Peak at a spot called Wade's World (where Dave is standing). Photo: GNFAC
Dave Zinn dug a pit near the top of Rasta Chute (SW aspect) near Lulu Pass and found 65 cm of snow. The layers were crusts and some facets and we determined the slope to be stable. You can look at the snowpit profile here. Photo: GNFAC
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Mon Nov 25, 2019
<p>Snow depth is 1-3 feet throughout the advisory area. There is minimal evidence of widespread buried weak layers (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/snowpits">snowpits</a></strong>), and avalanche activity has been mostly small slides confined to new snow (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/avalanche-activity">avalanche log</a></strong>). Aside from the couple inches of snow in Big Sky last night, the last snowfall was 4-6” five days ago (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/weather/wx-avalanche-log">weather log</a></strong>). Over the last couple days strong winds drifted recent snow into fresh slabs along ridgelines (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/sites/default/files/styles/very_large_1200w…;). Skiers in Hyalite found these fresh wind slabs which cracked easily under their skis, and they adjusted their plans to avoid terrain with big consequences (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/sites/default/files/styles/very_large_1200w…;). Avoid steep slopes with evidence of fresh wind-loading and be extra cautious of terrain where a slide can carry you into rocks, trees or over cliffs.</p>
<p>Where the snowpack is shallower, such as the mountains near West Yellowstone and the southern Madison and Gallatin ranges, there are weak layers of sugary facets on the ground (<strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6DWvLU0Eks&list=PLXu5151nmAvSbcbVf…;, <strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/sites/default/files/styles/very_large_1200w…;). For now, these weak layers make larger avalanches a concern only on heavily wind-loaded, shady high elevation slopes (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/21027">photos</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/sites/default/files/styles/very_large_1200w…;). When these mountains receive more snowfall, possibly later this week, the snowpack could become very unstable on all steep slopes.</p>
<p>Check out our <strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/forecast/bridgers">regional conditions</a> </strong>pages, <strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/snowpits">snowpits</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/weather/wx-avalanche-log">weather log</a> </strong>for detailed information specific to where you plan to travel. We are seeking more field data (and snowfall) before we issue daily danger ratings. If you'd like to help us you can quickly fill out an <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/add/snow_observation"><strong>observat… form</strong></a> and attach a picture or two. You can also email us (<a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com"><strong>mtavalanche@gmail.com</strong></a…;), leave a message on our phone (406-587-6984) or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>
Upcoming Avalanche Education and Events
Our education calendar is full of awareness lectures and field courses. Check it out and plan to attend one or two: Events and Education Calendar.
BOZEMAN
Large avalanches in Absaroka - Outside Advisory area
Sometime last week (11/20-11/22) these large avalanches occurred on heavily wind loaded northeast facing slopes in the Absaroka. The snowpack there is thin and faceted, similar to the southern ranges and mountains near West Yellowstone. Photo: B. VandenBos