17-18

<p>Flying back from east coast yesterday, I observed large plumes of snow tailing off the high peaks from the Beartooths to the Bridger Range. This was bull’s eye information that active wind loading was taking place across the advisory area. A photo from Mt Blackmore yesterday highlights this problem perfectly (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/17/high-winds-mt-blackmore-13-nov-17…;). Today, new and wind-blown snow from this morning will be resting over larger wind slabs that formed during the high winds prior to the storm. Slides initiating in the new snow could break into older wind slabs producing larger and more dangerous avalanches. Today, approach all wind loaded slopes with caution and remember that even small slides can have large consequences (<a href="https://youtu.be/4eBF2YWsDOc"><strong>video</strong></a&gt;).</p>

<p>A secondary problem will be avalanches failing on weak layers buried deeper in the pack. This problem is not widespread and is mostly confined to higher elevation slopes that held snow from earlier in the season. These weak layers will be under stress from new and wind-blown snow and could produce large, dangerous slides. A large natural avalanche that occurred three days ago on Crown Butte outside of Cooke City is a perfect example of this problem (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/17/crown-butte-avalanche">photo</a><…;). Be extra cautious in steep, rocky terrain or on any slope that has been heavily wind loaded.</p>

<p>It’s early season but the mountains already have 2-4 feet of snow on the ground. If you plan to ski, ride, hunt or climb in avalanche terrain, carry the proper rescue gear (shovel, beacon, probe) and assess terrain and snowpack carefully (<a href="https://youtu.be/im0A8Wk-NsE"><strong>video</strong></a&gt;).</p>

<p>If you get out and have any avalanche or snowpack observations to share, drop a line 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>