Large avalanche observed on 10/25 near Imp Peak in the Taylor Fork.
Photo: B. VandenBos
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Mon Oct 28, 2019
Large avalanche observed on 10/25 near Imp Peak in the Taylor Fork.
Photo: B. VandenBos
From email: "Found this large slide just north or Imp today [10/25]. Right around 10k, N-NE aspect, crowns spanned estimated 800-1,000' and ranged from ~2-10' thick. Appeared to activate by both a weak layer near the ground and a mid-pack interface. Lower interface was pencil hard, variably icy melt freeze crust of some sort, with 10-20 cms of 2-3mm facets underneath. Didn't get a good handle on the mid-pack interface, mostly assumed its presence based on shallower crowns.
Also saw several other crowns, at similar and slightly lower elevations on similar aspects to the SW of above described slide. Other crowns appeared thinner and less wide."
<p>Winter arrived about a month ago, and has shown little sign of letting autumn get a word in. Settled snow depth in the mountains is 1-3 feet which provides sufficient coverage for early season skiing. However, this snow creates heightened early season avalanche hazard. This weekend, whether you ski, climb or hunt, it is essential to carefully choose terrain and diligently assess the snowpack.</p>
<p>Yesterday I went to Bridger to be reminded which parts of my gear broke before it was neglected for summer. I also got a look at the snow which was impressively deep and supportive for this time of year (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/bridger-snowpack-oct-23">photo</a…;). The snowpack story might change as cold temperatures turn snow into unsupportive, weak sugary facets, but for now the main avalanche hazard is from new snow and wind. Instabilities created by new snow and wind are most widespread during and immediately following storms, so this weekend avalanches are to be expected with the forecasted new snow and moderate wind.</p>
<p>Avoid steep slopes with fresh drifts of snow. Stay alert for signs of instability such as recent avalanche activity or cracking/collapsing of the snowpack. Either of these are a clear warning to avoid steep slopes. If you plan to ride any steep slopes, dig to the ground (it won’t take long) and check for weak layers that might break under the new snow.</p>
<p>Hunters, or anyone traveling alone or without avalanche rescue gear, should avoid avalanche terrain entirely (>30 degree snow covered slopes). Last week ice climbers in Hyalite triggered a small slide as they approached a climb (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/sites/default/files/snow_obs/2019-10/IMG_20…;). Even small steep slopes can be deadly if an avalanche piles snow deep in a gully or pushes you into rocks or over cliffs. Regardless of your activity or terrain selection, it is best practice is to bring a partner, travel one at a time, and carry standard avalanche rescue gear (beacon, shovel, and probe on each person).</p>
<p>We are preparing for winter, setting up weather stations and beginning to collect snowpack information. If you have avalanche, snowpack or weather observations to share, please submit them via our <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/add/snow_observation"><strong>website<…;, email (<a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com"><strong>mtavalanche@gmail.com</strong></a…;), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>
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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
6 November, 1-hr Avalanche Awareness, 6-7pm @ REI Bozeman.
7 November, 1-hr Avalanche Awareness, 6-7pm @ Langford Hall, MSU.
The snowpack at Bridger Bowl has an average height of 1.5 feet. It contains a couple layers of crusts (MF crust) and facets (NSF) that could be weak layers below future new snow. Photo: A. Schauer
Skiers noted recent activity on Saddle isolated to fresh cornice fall and loose snow sluffing. The snow still available for transport was isolated to upper elevations, as mid/lower elevations the snowpack was wet and warm.
Snow available for transport in the Bridgers is isolated to upper elevations, as mid/lower the snowpack was wet and warm. Skiers recent activity on Saddle isolated to fresh cornice fall and loose snow sluffing. Photo: G. Antonioli
The snow still available for transport is isolated to upper elevations, as mid/lower the snowpack was wet and warm. Skiers noted recent activity on Saddle isolated to fresh cornice fall and loose snow sluffing. Photo: G. Antonioli