22-23
Avalanche seen from road near Beehive Basin
Skiers driving to Beehive Basin observed an avalanche from the road in the area. Minimal details
Point Release on South of Saddle Peak
A group skiing at Bridger Bowl observed at least one point release south of Saddle Peak above a cliff band. It appeared to be due to warming surface snow from the sun.
Avalanche Out of Hidden Gully
A group saw debris from an avalanche coming out of Hidden Gulley and down into the Apron at Bridger Bowl. Bridger Bowl is closed and there is no avalanche mitigation or ski patrol activity.
Apron
There was a big release down the top center of the Apron yesterday morning. Seen from afar so not certain what initiated the slide.
Bridger Bowl Observations
We toured up Bridger Bowl yesterday (10/24). We saw no signs of natural instability on our way up, but the wind was moving snow around with wind lips and cornices forming along road cuts (unreactive to ski penetration). On the upper mountain we found snow depths from 2-4.5 feet depending on aspect, with the higher end of those totals being in sheltered north facing areas. After evaluating several steep wind drifted test slopes, we saw no signs of instability in the drifts. As the day progressed, the snow was becoming sun effected in the upper to mid elevations on solar aspects creating heavier snow on top of lighter density snow. Over all, coverage was decent with minimal rock bashing. On our drive back to town we spotted at least 1 point release south of saddle on a solar aspect above a cliff band.
Skiers in Beehive Basin noted small wind drifts forming as they toured. Slopes loaded by wind-drifted snow are the most likely place to trigger an avalanche right now. Photo: C Ellingson
Tiny windslabs in beehive
Tiny wind slab on a SW facing aspect at 9150 ft