Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Today the snowpack is generally stable and avalanches are unlikely. You might encounter isolated areas of unstable snow just a few inches deep which could be hazardous if a small slide pushes you into rocks, trees or over a cliff. If you travel in steep, higher consequence terrain, be cautious of areas where recent snow has been drifted into a stiffer slab, or where the snow surface becomes wet more than a few inches deep.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Yesterday skiers triggered small wind slab avalanches, 3-6” deep and 10-20’ wide in the northern Bridgers (</span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/34932"><span><span><span><strong><span… and photos</span></span></u></span></strong></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span><span><span>) and near Cooke City (</span></span></span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/25/small-wind-slab-and-dry-loose-sli…;). Today you might encounter similar drifts in areas with a couple inches of new snow, or where snow from earlier in the week remained dry on high, northerly facing slopes.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The new snow from earlier in the week got warm and wet on many slopes yesterday, and the snow surface should be refrozen and stable this morning. Cloudy skies will minimize wet loose avalanche potential today, but above freezing temperatures and possible rain this afternoon will create a wet snow surface in some places. Small wet slides could be triggered in isolated areas, especially where there are a few inches of new snow this morning that could easily become moist with brief sun or above freezing temperatures.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Today the snowpack is generally stable and avalanche danger is LOW. Be on the lookout for isolated areas of unstable wet snow and small drifts, and consider the consequences of being knocked over by a small slide.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
Hyalite Road Closure
The Hyalite Canyon Road is closed to ALL MOTORIZED VEHICLES until May 16. This is a regular annual road closure to reduce road damage during the spring thaw. Bicycle and foot traffic are allowed.
