Good morning. This is Mark Staples with an Avalanche Information Bulletin from the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center issued at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5th. We will keep updating you on snowpack and avalanche information as conditions warrant.
Over the past 48 hours, 10 inches of snow has fallen in the mountains near West Yellowstone, and 7-8 inches has fallen elsewhere. This new snow combined with snow already on the ground provides more than enough for an avalanche, especially if strong winds have formed wind slabs. The new snow will be found on a variety of surfaces that can range from bare ground to weak faceted snow. Regardless of the underlying surface, avalanches are most common immediately after a storm.
Whether you are skiing, riding, climbing, or hunting, use the same diligence and preparation you’d use mid-winter. This means carrying rescue gear, traveling with a partner, and only traveling one at a time in avalanche terrain. We’ve seen people get caught, injured, and killed in avalanches during this time of year. The avalanche doesn’t have to bury you to be a threat, because it can sweep you off a cliff, run you over rocks, or into trees to cause injury.
A SPECIAL CAUTION TO HUNTERS:
Since many hunters travel solo, do not carry avalanche rescue gear and focus their energies on game instead of snow, they are susceptible to getting caught in a slide. It’s not unusual for hunters to trigger avalanches this time of year. Be wary of crossing any wind-loaded gullies and avoid any snow covered open slope steeper than 30 degrees. This is avalanche terrain.
I will send out Avalanche Information bulletins as conditions warrant. In the meantime, play it safe and don’t get injured! We’re always interested in your backcountry observations so drop us an email at mtavalanche@gmail.com or leave us a phone message at 587-6984.
AVALANCHE CLASSES
It’s not too early to start thinking about taking and avalanche class. We’ve got new listings every week, so check out or calendar on the web and plan on attending one for an annual avalanche tune-up.
http://www.mtavalanche.com/education/calendar.shtml
10th ANNUAL POWDER BLAST
Thank you to everyone who attended the 10th Annual Powder Blast. It was a big success, lots of fun, and would not have been possible without the Friends of the Avalanche Center, support of Sweet Pea’s Nursery, On Site Management, and everyone else who contributed.