Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
<p>Small wet loose avalanches are possible on sunny slopes this afternoon. Otherwise, the snowpack is generally stable and avalanches are unlikely. Slopes that receive direct sun have a thick frozen crust which makes them stable this morning. Today, warm temperatures and sun will melt this crust and the snow surface will become unstable. Anticipate decreasing stability on sunny slopes. Move to shadier slopes or lower angle terrain if the snow surface becomes moist, or if you see roller balls or natural point release slides. Today wet loose slides will not be large enough to bury a person, but are dangerous if they knock you down or carry you through trees or over rocks.</p>
<p>The last couple days temperatures reached the high 30s F, yet snow remained dry on shady slopes and there were generally few wet loose slides (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/20408">photos</a></strong>). Similar weather today will create similar conditions. On Friday we went to Mt. Blackmore and yesterday to the northern Bridger Range. In both places we found a generally stable snowpack aside from small loose snow avalanches (<u><strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/skier-triggered-dry-loose-avalanc…;, <strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/wet-loose-slides-near-fairy-lake"…;). Near Fairy Lake we saw old wind slab crowns that show the type of terrain where there is an isolated chance to trigger one of these, and we saw small slides in terrain with high consequences (<strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htNwM_uyA44&list=PLXu5151nmAvRNl9ku…;). Without a recent loading event, avalanches failing deeper in the snowpack are unlikely (<u><strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZIGxGxCgY&list=PLXu5151nmAvRNl9ku…;
<p>Today the snowpack is generally stable aside from small loose snow avalanches, and avalanche danger is rated LOW. If you travel into steep terrain, remain cautious and carefully assess the snowpack and consequences of being caught in a slide.</p>
<p>If you get out and have any avalanche or snowpack observations to share, contact us via our <u><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/add/snow_observation">website</a></u>, email (<u><a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com">mtavalanche@gmail.com</a></u>), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>
