18-19

<p>Avalanches will be mostly confined to new snow where the snowpack is frozen underneath 4-6” inches of recent snow (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/sites/default/files/styles/very_large_1200w…;). Strong southwest wind will grow large drifts that are possible to trigger and could be large enough to bury a person. Watch for cracking of the snow surface as a sign to avoid steep wind loaded slopes.</p>

<p>Wet loose avalanches of new snow are possible if the snow surface is moist or wet, and they can run far on the underlying crust. Rollerballs or pinwheels are a sign that the snow surface is becoming wet and there is an increasing chance of wet loose avalanches. Move to slopes with dry snow or lower angle terrain if the snow surface is wet.</p>

<p>On lower elevation slopes the snowpack is unsupportable and not frozen due to rain yesterday and multiple nights of above freezing temperatures. Deeper wet snow avalanches are possible on these slopes. Travel is difficult on slopes with this wet snowpack as your skis and boots will sink deep in wet snow. Be cautious of steep terrain above you where wet snow avalanches could start as the day warms up or if rain falls and weakens the snowpack.</p>

<p>Yesterday we toured on the west side of the Bridger Range. On upper elevation slopes (&gt;7,500’) we found new snow on a supportable crust (<strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foYa455ltOg&amp;list=PLXu5151nmAvRNl9ku…;). The new snow bonded well to the crust, and clouds in the afternoon prevented wet snow activity. Today, warmer temperatures and potential rain make wet avalanches possible on all steep slopes.</p>

<p>Snow stability can be simple to identify, but spring weather adds complex variables. The best and safest place to travel is where the snow surface is dry (and not wind-loaded) and the underlying snowpack is frozen and supportable. Avoid steep slopes where the snowpack is unsupportable and not frozen, or where the snow surface becomes wet due to rain or above freezing temperatures. Carefully monitor the weather, and anticipate rapidly changing conditions throughout the day and as you change aspect or elevation.</p>

<p>Today, warm temperatures and strong wind make both wet and dry snow avalanches possible and avalanche danger is <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>

<p>Today’s avalanche equation is simple:<br />
Frozen = Good<br />
Unfrozen = Bad</p>

<p>It rained in the mountains and rain weakens the snow quickly. The rain/snow line fluctuated range-to-range and hour-to-hour. Freezing temperatures last night made a crust on most slopes, but this will quickly break down with warm temperatures. At higher elevations, snowfall likely tops 5” since .5-.7” of <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/or/snow/?cid=nrcs142p2… water equivalent</a> fell.</p>

<p>Sun will end up being the deciding factor for wet avalanches. Since the snowpack is wet at the lower elevations a little sun will quickly melt crusts. At higher elevations direct solar radiation will trigger loose-wet avalanches in the new snow. Snow becomes unstable with rapid change and in the last 24 hours it has been hit with rain, snow, freezing and melting. As soon as you find the snow surface to be wet it is time to head home. Pinwheels rolling downhill in the new snow or sinking past your boot tops in wet snow are signs of increasing avalanche danger.</p>

<p>If you leave early for the higher elevations you’ll likely find dry snow and good skiing or riding. Isolated wind slabs at the ridgelines along with large cornices are the main avalanche concern on these upper slopes.</p>

<p>For today, given the recent rain, snow, wind, fluctuating freezing line and potential sunny skies, the avalanche danger is rated <strong>MODERATE</strong> since both dry and wet snow avalanches are possible. Today is a day to be nimble in your thinking and route-planning since there are more variables than normal in determining stability. The fallback position is that wet snow is bad.</p>

<p>If you get out and have any avalanche or snowpack observations to share, contact us via our <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/add/snow_observation">website</a&gt;, email (<a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com">mtavalanche@gmail.com</a&gt;), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>

<p>Yesterday, temperatures in the 40’s did not produce widespread wet snow avalanches. A few small wet loose slides were observed north of Bridger Bowl, but in general avalanche activity was minimal. At this point, the snowpack has been through multiple freeze-thaw cycles which has conditioned the snowpack to free moving water. All but high north facing slopes have well developed drainage channels which helps reduce wet snow avalanches as temps climb above freezing. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Overnight, most areas saw a very light refreeze or no freeze at all. Today, the upper layers of the snowpack will soften quickly as temperatures warm. In addition to above freezing temps, light rain is forecasted to arrive by early afternoon. Rain on snow not only makes miserable riding conditions but it quickly destabilizes the snowpack (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/wet-avalanche-debris-dudley-creek…;). Today, above freezing temps and the likelihood of rain makes the movies or house projects a good alternative to the backcountry. If you do head out, assess snow conditions carefully and avoid steep terrain if you observe wet roller balls or sink into soft slushy snow above your boots.</p>

<p>Although wet snow avalanches are the main concern, a skier or rider could still trigger an isolated wind slab on upper elevation slopes facing north through east (<u><strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/snowmobile-triggered-slab-norther…;). Cornices are also a growing concern. These massive overhanging chunks of snow are losing strength quickly as temperatures warm (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/large-cornice-near-cooke-city">ph…;). Be extra cautious when traveling on slopes below cornices and give them a wide berth along the ridgelines.</p>

<p>Today, wet and dry snow avalanches are possible and the avalanche danger is rated <strong>MODERATE</strong>.</p>