18-19

In Cabin Creek (1/10/19) we found a recently buried layer of surface hoar as well as the weak, sugary snow that makes up the bottom 1.5' of the snowpack in the southern ranges. Avalanches are possible to trigger on the sugary facets near the ground. Both of these weak layers will persist and cause avalanches when we get more snow and wind loading. Photo: GNFAC

Southern Madison, 2019-01-10

Snowmobilers up Portal Creek in the northern Gallatin Range experienced cracking/collapsing and triggered this small avalanche. The slide broke 1' foot deep and nearly 100' wide. Fortunately, nobody was caught. Avalanche activity is the best indicator the snowpack is unstable. Photo: A. Donovan 

Northern Gallatin, 2019-01-10

Cracking/collapsing and human triggered slide, Portal Creek

Portal Creek
Northern Gallatin
Code
SS-AM-R1-D1-O
Latitude
45.25990
Longitude
-111.13800
Notes

Riders up Portal Creek in the northern Gallatin Range experienced cracking and collapsing and possibly triggered a small avalanche. They were riding at night. Photo: N. Donovan

Number of slides
1
Number caught
0
Number buried
0
Avalanche Type
Soft slab avalanche
Trigger
Snowmobile
R size
1
D size
1
Bed Surface
O - Old snow
Slab Thickness
30.0 centimeters
Slab Thickness units
centimeters
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Single Avalanche
Advisory Year

This recent slab avalanche was observed in the Taylor Fork on Wednesday, Jan. 9th. It appears to have failed naturally on weak facets near the ground. Avalanche activity is the number one sign the snowpack is unstable. Although avalanches are becoming harder to trigger without new snow and wind, recent activity is a clear reminder avalanches remain possible. Photo: A Wheeler 

Southern Madison, 2019-01-10

Recent avalanche activity, Taylor Fork

Taylor Fork
Southern Madison
Code
U-N
Notes

"These pics of recent slides were taken in Taylor’s Fork on Wednesday 1/9/19.  First one is the hill that always seems to slide in sunlight basin.  I did not venture down into the basin, so unsure of the trigger.  The second one is on the ridge by the burn."
 

Number of slides
1
Number caught
0
Number buried
0
Avalanche Type
Unknown
Trigger
Natural trigger
Slab Thickness units
centimeters
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Single Avalanche
Advisory Year