This is Mark Staples with pre-season avalanche, weather and event information for the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center on Friday afternoon, November 13th. This information is sponsored by Highline Partners and The Friends of The Avalanche Center. We will update this bulletin as conditions warrant.
A few snowflakes are falling as I write this update on Friday afternoon. By Saturday morning, 3-4 inches should accumulate. Temperatures will be noticeably colder on Saturday when winds will be blowing from the north 10-15 mph with high temperatures in the teens F.
The sun should peak through the clouds briefly Saturday afternoon. Temperatures will warm into the 20s F for Sunday with strong winds from the west blowing 30-40 mph. A cold front will cross over the area early Monday bringing some of the coldest air yet, more snowfall (maybe 4-6 inches), and lighter winds.
Looking ahead in the weather models - there are no major storms lined up, but there is also no major ridge of high pressure forecasted. At the moment, it seems the pattern will be a series of disturbances and troughs that should bring a few inches of snow here and there which can add up surprisingly fast. Fingers crossed!
All Regions
Snow depths and SWE across the area are:
- Bridgers: 8” snow/2” SWE
- Hyalite: 15” snow/3.6” SWE
- Big Sky: 9” snow/2” SWE
- West Yellowstone: 12” snow/2.5” SWE
- Island Park: 12” snow/2.8” SWE
- Cooke City: 11” snow/2.6” SWE
With such thin snow, the greatest threat is hitting rocks and stumps; however, recent avalanche activity proves that there is more than enough snow for avalanches. In Hyalite at History Rock on Thursday, Ian and Dave found between 0” of snow and 18” of snow.
Fresh wind slabs are the main avalanche problem, especially by Sunday when strong winds should blow from the west. Early-season avalanches may not bury you, but they will hurt playing pinball with you through the rocks and stumps.
Hunters should be especially cautious since they often travel alone and without avalanche rescue gear. Avoid steep slopes with snow deeper than your ankles.
Public observations are incredibly valuable as we develop a picture of the season's snowpack. Contribute to our community’s knowledge by submitting your observations, and look through our observation page for additional information before your next backcountry adventure.
Upcoming Avalanche Education and Events
Our education calendar is full of awareness lectures and field courses. Check it out: Events and Education Calendar
Thursday, November 21, 6-7 p.m., Free Avalanche Awareness for Families and Friends at Story Mill Community Center.
Tuesday, November 26, 6-7 p.m. Free Avalanche Awareness at REI Bozeman.
Monday, December 2, 6:30 p.m. MAP community partnership night and 1-hr Avalanche Awareness, at MAP Brewing
For an intro class with a field day, Register for our Avalanche Fundamentals course.
Friends Fall Powder Blast Fundraiser!
We’re still counting on your support and the online Fall Powder Blast fundraiser is 76% of the way to our goal. Please consider making even a small donation HERE or via Venmo