A snowmobiler noted cracking of the snow surface on the south face of Reas Peak out of Island Park. The wind crust was 3-4" thick and had facets underneath which aided the propagation. Photo: Anonymous
Trip Planning for Island Park
Bottom Line: Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the mountains near Island Park where 13” of new snow fell in the last 48 hours, and strong winds blew yesterday. Human-triggered avalanches breaking up to two feet deep are likely on wind-loaded slopes. Larger avalanches breaking deeper into the snowpack are possible. Careful route-finding that avoids steep, wind-loaded slopes, a snowpack assessment focused on identifying instability in new and wind-drifted snow and conservative decision-making are essential.
Primary Problem: Wind-Drifted Snow
Snow Observations- Island Park
Island Park
Reas Peak
Wind slabs cracking on Reas Peak
A snowmobiler noted cracking of the snow surface on the south face of Reas Peak out of Island Park. The wind crust was 3-4" thick and had facets underneath which aided the propagation.
Full Snow Observation Report
Island Park
Sawtelle Peak
First Snowpit on Sawtelle Peak
We went down to Sawtelle Peak to do some work on one of our weather stations. Lots of rime on the peak.
While we were down there, we dug a pit to see how the snowpack is developing in the Island Park area. Some wind drifting, but not super dramatic. Dug on an east aspect around 9000 ft off the Sawtelle Peak Road. Snowpack depth was around 4 ft. ECTX results.
It's still early season, but for now we're happy with how the foundation of the winter's snowpack is shaping up.
Full Snow Observation ReportIsland Park
Hellroaring Creek
Variable Surfaces-Hellroaring
During the annual setup for the Hellroaring Hut we underestimated the amount of snow based on snotel readings in the area. 18”+ in shaded areas around 7,500’ and < 6”-12” on solar aspects, steep solar aspects were already melting out and bare ground was being exposed. Thick sun crusts we’re already formed on most solar aspects, while shaded regions remained unconsolidated. Lots of surface hoar growth in the meadows. Long story short, it’s good to know the relationship/aspect of the Snotel sites you trust for data mid winter, going forward although wary season snowfall was limited there will likely be some interested surfaces to contend with in the Centennial Range until the snowpack gets deep enough to begin the healing process…
-Sam
Full Snow Observation ReportBridger Range
Bridger Bowl
Cracking in a drift at Bridger Bowl
An observer saw evidence of wind loading creating the conditions for avalanches in the Bridger Range on Sunday. Cracking is an indicator of instability. The observer noted that the relatively small drift he saw was "nothing consequential," but this shows that unstable drifts are forming. They will be more consequential where there is more snow and as the wind creates larger drifts.
Full Snow Observation Report
Island Park
Sawtelle Peak
New Snow Depth Sensor on Sawtelle Peak
Ian and I completed the setup of a SNOdar snow depth sensor on Sawtelle Peak in the Centennials. Located at 8800 feet elevation. The sensor will record total snow depth and 24 hr snowfall. Data will be displayed on our website soon at: http://www.mtavalanche.com/weaterh/stations/sawtelle-snow.
The snowpack is non-existent in this area. I think the only snow I could see was the north summit snowfield on Lone Peak from the drive.
Full Snow Observation Report
Relevant Photos
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Big Sky ski patrol triggered these slides with explosives on 11/22 during routine avalanche mitigation work. The avalanches were hard slabs that averaged 12" deep and broke on a weak layer above a crust on top of snow that fell in October. Photo: BSSP
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Big Sky ski patrol triggered these slides with explosives on 11/22 during routine avalanche mitigation work. The avalanches were hard slabs that averaged 12" deep and broke on a weak layer above a crust on top of snow that fell in October. Photo: BSSP
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Rimed weather station on Sawtelle Peak. 11/17/22. Photo: GNFAC
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Observer reported "A number of Avalanche Crowns on an east aspect at 9500 ft." in Tepee Basin.
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An observer reported "A number of Avalanche Crowns on an east aspect at 9500 ft." in Tepee Basin
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Evidence of wind-loading creating the conditions for avalanches in the Bridger Range. Cracking is an indicator of instability. The observer noted this was "Nothing consequential," but this shows that unstable drifts are forming. They will be more consequential where there is more snow and as the wind creates larger drifts. Photo: E Smith
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We completed the setup of a SNOdar snow depth sensor on Sawtelle Peak in the Centennials on Wednesday 10/19. Forecaster Ian Hoyer for scale.
Located at 8800 feet elevation. The sensor will record total snow depth and 24 hr snowfall. Data will be displayed on our website soon at: http://www.mtavalanche.com/weather/stations/sawtelle-snow.
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The newly installed Sawtelle Peak weather station. Photo: GNFAC (10/4/2022)
