18-19

<p>Triggering an avalanche on a layer of faceted snow in the bottom 1/3 of the snowpack is the main concern today. This layer is not as reactive as it was a week ago, but unstable test results and the occasional rumbling collapse are clear indicators it’s still capable of producing avalanches (<u><strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0dOv0z4GDI&amp;list=PLXu5151nmAvRNl9ku…;, <u><strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/photos">photos</a></strong></u&gt;).</p>

<p>Today, you’re most likely to trigger a slide in areas with one or more of these characteristics:</p>

<ul>
<li>Steep slopes where the snowpack is thinner, generally less than 3’ deep <u><strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nk39vqLWlQ&amp;list=PLXu5151nmAvRNl9ku…;
<li>Slopes where hard wind drifted snow rest over faceted snow near the ground.</li>
<li>Steep rocky slopes or&nbsp;scoured ridgelines where it’s easier to impact buried weak layers <u><strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hh3eSrv6fYI">video</a></strong></u>.</l…;
</ul>

<p>Assessing snow stability is challenging due to the high spatial variability of the snowpack (<strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eINpY6r-ISA&amp;list=PLXu5151nmAvRNl9ku…;). Some slopes have strong snow while others are weak and unstable. Predicting what slopes are safe to ride requires careful snowpack evaluation. I recommend putting the shovel in the snow and doing a few stability tests before committing to steep terrain. Keep in mind, the easiest way to avoid avalanches is to avoid riding on or underneath steep slopes. If you do expose yourself to avalanche terrain, always be thinking of the consequences of being caught and have a plan in case a slide does occur.</p>

<p>Today, avalanches breaking on weak layers&nbsp;in the bottom 1/3 of the snowpack are possible and the avalanche danger is rated <strong>MODERATE</strong>. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</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&gt;, email (<u><a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com">mtavalanche@gmail.com</a></u&gt;), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>

<p>The snowpack across our forecast area is highly variable. Some slopes are strong and stable while others have a poor structure capable of producing avalanches (<u><strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0dOv0z4GDI&amp;list=PLXu5151nmAvRNl9ku…;, <strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/photos">photos</a></strong&gt;). Yesterday, Alex experienced a large collapse on a southwest&nbsp;facing slope near Lulu Pass outside of Cooke City. The snowpack on this slope was only 3’ deep. As Alex describes in his <strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nk39vqLWlQ&amp;list=PLXu5151nmAvRNl9ku…;, “shallow equals weak”. On a neighboring slope, Alex found a snowpack that was much deeper and stronger. I found similar conditions in Tepee Basin yesterday.</p>

<p>As the snowpack takes a break from last week’s consistent snowfall, avalanches are becoming harder to trigger. Although the likelihood of triggering an avalanche has decreased, the consequences have not. If a slide is triggered, it will likely break 2-4’ deep and propagate wider than you might expect (<u><strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hh3eSrv6fYI">video</a></strong></u&gt;, <u><strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/sunlight-basin-avalanche-2">photo…;). Slopes where hard wind drifted snow rest over a weak-faceted foundation will be the most likely to produce slides. Be especially cautious on steep rocky slopes where impacting the weak layer may be easier.</p>

<p>Although the avalanche danger is gradually decreasing, it is still possible to get surprised. The avalanche fatality in the Tobacco Roots a week ago today is a sobering reminder that being caught off guard can have severe consequences (<u><strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?index=2&amp;list=PLXu5151nmAvRNl9kuY3DxfW…; <u><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/accident/19/01/29">report</a></u></strong&gt;). To reduce risk and stack the deck in your favor, talk with your partners, make a plan, dig and test the snow, and be wise about terrain selection. Remember if stability is the question, terrain is the answer. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Today, human triggered avalanches are possible and the avalanche danger is rated <strong>MODERATE</strong>.</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&gt;, email (<u><a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com">mtavalanche@gmail.com</a></u&gt;), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>