Good morning. This is Eric Knoff with early season snowpack information issued Thursday, September 26 at 9 a.m. Today’s information is sponsored by Montana Import Group in partnership with the Friends of the Avalanche Center. This information will be updated as conditions change.
Over the past 24 hours the mountains of southwest Montana picked up 3-6 inches of snow above 7,000 ft. Today, an additional 1-2 inches is possible at higher elevations. This storm system will gradually push to the east and conditions will begin to dry out by this evening. A warmer and drier weather pattern will persist through the weekend.
Skiing in September? To most that sounds crazy, but for those willing to put skis and limb on the line it can happen. Skiing this time of year typically requires finding a narrow strip of wind-blown snow, often no wider than a single lane road. If you’re lucky you’ll get 8-10 unhindered turns before crashing into rocks.
Our current situation is a double edge sword. Slopes holding enough snow to ski or ride will be the most likely to produce an avalanche. Since most skiable lines will be located in steep, rocky, upper elevation terrain, getting caught in an avalanche will likely result in an unforgiving ride. In addition, narrow gullies are a likely place to find wind-blown snow, which can also be dangerous terrain traps. In this type of terrain it only takes a small slide to burry a skier or rider.
If you are searching out places to make turns, it’s imperative that every member of the group has a functioning transceiver, shovel and probe. Also, pay close attention to the terrain above and below you and always be monitoring the consistency of the snowpack. If signs of instability such as cracking and collapsing are present, it’s time to get off the slope. Remember - No run is worth ending your season over.
POWDERBLAST; 25 October
Tickets: https://www.ticketriver.com/event/7811
Montana Import Group is title sponsor of this year’s 15th annual Powder Blast. Grizzly Outfitters and Mystery Ranch are the other key supporters. Join us for the best fundraiser of the year! All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Avalanche Center which supports avalanche awareness, education and information throughout southwest Montana.
“Elevation”, a movie by PowderWhore Productions; 1 October
Tuesday, October 1 at the Eagles Club (316 E. Main St.) 9pm $10
Raffle to benefit Friends of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/73182355
More info: http://www.powderwhore.com/tour/montana/
Intro to Avalanches w/ Field Course, MSU; 4, 5 and 7 December
Info and registration: https://www.ticketriver.com/event/7112
Snowmobiler Intro to Avalanches w/ Field Course, West Yellowstone: 19 and 20 December
Info and registration: https://www.ticketriver.com/event/7116