On November 8th, skiers found weak facets and surface hoar had formed during prior cold and dry weather. Keep an eye out for these weak layers if they get buried. Photo: B. VandenBos
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On November 8th, skiers found weak facets and surface hoar had formed during prior cold and dry weather. Keep an eye out for these weak layers if they get buried. Photo: B. VandenBos
Weather and Avalanche Log for Sun Nov 10, 2019
Rain to 8-8,500' this morning
Snowmobile Field Session at the ASMSU Introduction to Avalanches Class. Photo: GNFAC
GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Fri Nov 8, 2019
<p>The mountain snowpack is generally stable with a mixed bag of riding conditions (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/wind-scoured-slopes-taylor-fork-2…;). The Bridger Range received 4” of snow equal to 0.4”<strong> <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/or/snow/?cid=nrcs142p2… water equivalent (SWE)</a></strong> on Monday with reports of rain up to 9600’ on Mount Blackmore. On a quick tour to Bridger Bowl Tuesday morning, I found dry snow on north-facing slopes, but things warmed up quickly as I left for the day. By Tuesday afternoon skiers reported wet loose snow avalanches in the Bridger Range (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/wet-loose-bridgers-2"><strong>Pho…;). With mountain temperatures forecast into the 40s F through Saturday, pay attention to warming at the snow surface. If snowballs are rolling downhill and you observe wet loose avalanches, find shadier areas to play or go fishing for the afternoon. Be wary of small avalanches that could push you into obstacles or hazardous terrain.</p>
<p>As winter temperatures and snowfall return on Sunday, look to see how the new snow is bonding. This week’s high pressure weakened the snowpack in some areas changing the foundation into weak facets (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/images/19/depth-hoar-south-fork-spanish-cre…;). If you are touring and break through to the ground, reach down and look for large, sugary snow crystals that will not stick together. These facets are generally stable without new snow. As the next snowstorm adds weight, watch for avalanche activity, cracking, or collapsing as signs that the snowpack is unstable.</p>
<p>If you have avalanche, snowpack, or weather observations to share, please submit them via our <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/add/snow_observation"><strong>website<…;, email (<a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com"><strong>mtavalanche@gmail.com</strong></a…;), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>
Upcoming Avalanche Education and Events
Our education calendar is full of awareness lectures and field courses. Check it out and plan to attend one or two: Events and Education Calendar.
BOZEMAN
TONIGHT, 8 November, Ullr & Skadi Fest, 6-9pm @ Swiss Fit Montana and Ph.D. Skis.
Skiers in the Taylor Fork observed faceting, or weakening of the snow, at the base snowpack in the Taylor Fork. Photo: B. VandenBos
Wind scoured down to the melt-freeze crust in the Taylor Fork. Photo: B. VandenBos
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Fri Nov 8, 2019