Trip Planning for Cooke City Area

as of 5:00 am
Apr 300″ | 5-26 NW
Apr 29 0″ | 15-30 NW
Apr 28 4″ | 20-50 NW
10,000′     06/07 at 04:00
42.0℉
NE - 3mph
Gusts 9mph
9100′     06/07 at 04:00
37℉
33″ Depth
Bottom Line: Spring weather can be highly variable and create a mix of avalanche problems to watch out for. Snow conditions and snow stability can change drastically from day to day or hour to hour. Anticipate rapid change and plan accordingly. Plenty of snowfall over the winter with more spring snow to come makes avalanches possible into summer.

Past 5 Days

Mon Apr 17

None
Thu Apr 20

None
Mon Apr 24

None
Fri Apr 28

None
Tue May 2

None

Relevant Avalanche Activity

Cooke City
Henderson Mountain
Wet slab on Henderson Mtn.
Incident details contain video
Henderson Mountain
WS-N-R2-D2-O
Elevation: 10,000
Aspect: NE
Coordinates: 45.0524, -109.9450
Caught: 0 ; Buried: 0

Snowmobilers saw a recent wet slab on the northeast face of Henderson Mtn. on May 20, 2023. Video attached. 

Within last 4 days (May 16-19), but uncertain of exact date of occurrence. 


More Avalanche Details

Relevant Photos

Displaying 1 - 40
  • From email: “These pics are from last June 10-11, after the pass reopened on Friday. I was skiing the Gardner headwall at 5:30, solo, when this monster released. Yah. The initial cornice collapse triggered and entrained a secondary slab of varying thickness whose crown is seen in one of the photos.”

  • On May 14 and 15 we saw crowns and debris of wet slabs that ran naturally over the past couple weeks.

    Scotch Bonnet, S aspect, 9800'; Sheep Mtn. SW aspect, 9800'; Crown Butte, SE aspect, 10000'.

    Hard to say exactly when they all occurred. The slides on Scotch Bonnet and Sheep appeared slightly fresher, but could have been a week old.

  • On May 14 and 15 we saw crowns and debris of wet slabs that ran naturally over the past couple weeks.

    Scotch Bonnet, S aspect, 9800'; Sheep Mtn. SW aspect, 9800'; Crown Butte, SE aspect, 10000'.

    Hard to say exactly when they all occurred. The slides on Scotch Bonnet and Sheep appeared slightly fresher, but could have been a week old.

  • On May 14 and 15 we saw crowns and debris of wet slabs that ran naturally over the past couple weeks.

    Scotch Bonnet, S aspect, 9800'; Sheep Mtn. SW aspect, 9800'; Crown Butte, SE aspect, 10000'.

    Hard to say exactly when they all occurred. The slides on Scotch Bonnet and Sheep appeared slightly fresher, but could have been a week old.

  • On May 14 and 15 we saw crowns and debris of wet slabs that ran naturally over the past couple weeks.

    Scotch Bonnet, S aspect, 9800'; Sheep Mtn. SW aspect, 9800'; Crown Butte, SE aspect, 10000'. Hard to say exactly when they all occurred. 

  • "A natural wet slab avalanche that occurred just south of Cooke City yesterday May 3, around 6pm.

    The slide is on a northerly spect around 8500'." Photo: B. Fredlund

  • From obs. “Natural wet slab avalanche, north of Cooke City, which likely happened on April 30th (observed May 1).

    It's on a SW aspect, about 10,500'.  Crown estimated to be 4-6' deep.” Photo: B. Fredlund

  • Give Big Gallatin Valley is May 4-5. The Friends of the Avalanche Center are participating again this year and thank you for your support. Between 6pm on May 4 through 6pm on May 5 you can support your favorite local non-profits. Donate Here.

  • On 4/11/23 There were 6-10 D1.5-D2 wet loose slides scattered around the area that we could see, similar to attached picture of Crown Butte (We could see Miller Mtn. east and north, Scotch Bonnet, Henderson, Crown Butte, Abundance, Wolverine). Photo: GNFAC

  • On 4/11/23 a wet slide buried one lane of road in YNP on a steep, treed ENE facing slope at 6900'. Photo: GNFAC

  • On 4/11/23 a wet slide (R3-D1.5) buried one lane of road in YNP on a steep, treed ENE facing slope at 6900'. Photo: GNFAC

  • On 4/10/23... At lower elevations where the snowpack is shallower, closer to silver gate and the northeast corner of the park, there were some deeper wet loose slides (D2) and a couple small wet slabs (photo). I would estimate most of these happened yesterday (4/10).

  • A large cornice collapse on Mount Abundance triggered an avalanche on the slope below. Photo: A Mulkey

  • A small cornice fall near Cooke City and pinwheels from a rocky face. Photo: A. Mulkey

  • Very large deep slab on Mt. Abundance that likely broke 4/2-4/4 after this area got a foot of snow equal to 1" of SWE. Photo: B. Fredlund (4/8/23)

  • From 4/7/23: "Lots of naturals and maybe a rider triggered avalanche seen today. Steep solar aspects had lots of wet loose activity and small cornice/pillow fall." Photo: Z. Peterson

  • From obs 4/7/23: "Lots of naturals and maybe a rider triggered avalanche seen today. Steep solar aspects had lots of wet loose activity and small cornice/pillow fall." Photo: Z. Peterson

  • From obs 4/7/23: "Lots of naturals and maybe a rider triggered avalanche seen today. Steep solar aspects had lots of wet loose activity and small cornice/pillow fall." Photo: Z. Peterson 

  • Lots of naturals and maybe a rider triggered avalanche seen today. Steep solar aspects had lots of wet loose activity and small cornice/pillow fall. 

  • From instagram: Skier triggered windslab on Scotch bonnet near Cooke City. Approximately 75 ft wide.

  • Photo of recent, natural wind slab avalanche near Cooke City. (which likely happened last night). The avalanche is on a SE aspect around 10,000'.  The crown looks to be about 1-3' deep and 75' wide.
    Photo: B. Fredlund (taken 3/6/23)

  • From IG: “Wanted to touch base about an avalanche we triggered on the shoulder of Mineral Mountain today. While skinning up there was obvious wind loading coming from the south. I kicked around a bit near the edge of the ridge (no cornice) and remote triggered this slide from 20’ away. It broke 12-18” deep, and propagated 700-800’ wide. Ran full length of the slope into old growth trees 1200’ below. Would estimate R4 D3. We found good stable skiing on the south aspect (~35°)”

  • Skiers in the Republic Creek drainage saw a fresh natural avalanche on Woody Ridge. The avalanche occurred on a NW aspect, around 9200' (likely last night). Estimated size: 1-3' deep and about 100' wide. Photo: B. Fredlund

  • Skiers in the Republic Creek drainage saw a fresh natural avalanche on Woody Ridge. The avalanche occurred on a NW aspect, around 9200' (likely last night). Estimated size: 1-3' deep and about 100' wide. Photo: B. Fredlund

  • From email: "Saw this very large avalanche on Climax. The crown looks fresh, so it likely occurred the day or night of 4/1?
    Hard to tell but the crown looks to be about 4-6’ deep at its deepest. The debris ran to the creek.
    E aspect at 10000’." Photo: N Hance

  • From email: "Saw this very large avalanche on Climax. The crown looks fresh, so it likely occurred the day or night of 4/1?
    Hard to tell but the crown looks to be about 4-6’ deep at its deepest. The debris ran to the creek.
    E aspect at 10000’." Photo: N Hance

  • Checking the slope angle on the west side of Henderson Mountain outside Cooke City. Selecting terrain less than 30 degrees steep is the most reliable way to avoid avalanches. The most reliable way to know the slope angle, measure it. Photo: GNFAC

  • Beartooth Powder Guides investigated the crown of the slide that was triggered by a snowmobiler near Daisy Pass on 3/23/23. Photo: Z. Peterson

  • One of the snowmobiles that was involved in the avalanche near Daisy Pass on 3/23/23. Photo: @maria_elizabeth521

  • On the morning of March 23, 2023 near Daisy Pass, two snowmobilers were stuck on a slope and a third was snowmobiling up to help when a large avalanche was triggered. The two stuck riders were caught and carried, and one of them sustained potentially life-threatening leg injuries. The third rider was able to safely ride off the slope and was not caught by the avalanche. Photo: B. Zavora

  • On the morning of March 23, 2023 near Daisy Pass, two snowmobilers were stuck on a slope and a third was snowmobiling up to help when a large avalanche was triggered. The two stuck riders were caught and carried, and one of them sustained potentially life-threatening leg injuries. The third rider was able to safely ride off the slope and was not caught by the avalanche. Photo: B. Zavora

  • On the morning of March 23, 2023 near Daisy Pass, two snowmobilers were stuck on a slope and a third was snowmobiling up to help when a large avalanche was triggered. The two stuck riders were caught and carried, and one of them sustained potentially life-threatening leg injuries. The third rider was able to safely ride off the slope and was not caught by the avalanche. Photo: B. Zavora

  • On the morning of March 23, 2023 near Daisy Pass, two snowmobilers were stuck on a slope and a third was snowmobiling up to help when a large avalanche was triggered. The two stuck riders were caught and carried, and one of them sustained potentially life-threatening leg injuries. The third rider was able to safely ride off the slope and was not caught by the avalanche. Photo: B. Zavora

  • Skied on west and east sides of Woody Ridge.  Observed a few small soft wind slab avalanches involving only new snow around the submarine. Dug a pit about a meter deep on west aspect about 9,700 feet.  HS was 290cm. No result on extended column test. Fist to 265, 4F to 245, 1f to 200 where there is a crust layer, back to 1f below that.

  • "Attached are a few photos of old deep slab avalanches north of town... the south face of scotch bonnet. Hard to tell the depth of the crown but it’s very visible from the lulu road, so probably pretty deep." Photo: Z. Peterson

  • Attached are a few photos of old deep slab avalanches north of town... a south face north of round lake above 10,000’. The crown was mostly filled in but the deepest exposed part was 2-3’ deep. Photo: Z. Peterson

  • From 3/18/23: "Watched two riders on the north side of Henderson / Daisy pass high marking. One triggered a large avalanche and got stuck at the crown. Crown was taller than him. Guessing 8-10’ deep and 200+ yards wide.... We were across around the sheep mtn/ Scotch Bonnet area and watched the whole thing happen. We boogied over there as fast as possible to help." Photo: C. Diffley

  • From 3/18/23: "Watched two riders on the north side of Henderson / Daisy pass high marking. One triggered a large avalanche and got stuck at the crown. Crown was taller than him. Guessing 8-10’ deep and 200+ yards wide.... We were across around the sheep mtn/ Scotch Bonnet area and watched the whole thing happen. We boogied over there as fast as possible to help." Photo: C. Diffley

  • A few recent slides were visible today on south, east and west aspect around goose lake zone. Looked like mostly wind slabs in the new snow. Photo: P. Hinmon

  • A few recent slides were visible today on south, east and west aspect around goose lake zone. Looked like mostly wind slabs in the new snow. Photo: P. Hinmon

Videos- Cooke City Area

WebCams


Soda Butte Lodge, looking West

Soda Butte Lodge, looking East

Snowpit Profiles- Cooke City Area

 

Select a snowpit on the map to view the profile image

Weather Forecast Cooke City Area

Extended Forecast for

2 Miles NNE Cooke City MT

Flood Watch June 8, 12:00pm until June 9, 03:00amClick here for hazard details and duration Flood Watch
  • Today

    Today: A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after noon.  Increasing clouds, with a high near 66. Light and variable wind becoming east 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.  Chance of precipitation is 70%.

    Slight Chance
    Showers then
    T-storms
    Likely

    High: 66 °F

  • Tonight

    Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 9pm.  Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Northeast wind 5 to 8 mph.  Chance of precipitation is 60%.

    T-storms
    Likely then
    Slight Chance
    T-storms

    Low: 41 °F

  • Thursday

    Thursday: A chance of showers before 9am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9am and noon, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon.  High near 62. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south southeast in the afternoon.  Chance of precipitation is 90%.

    Chance
    T-storms then
    T-storms

    High: 62 °F

  • Thursday
    Night

    Thursday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after midnight.  Low around 39. South southeast wind 6 to 9 mph becoming southwest after midnight.  Chance of precipitation is 80%.

    Showers then
    Slight Chance
    T-storms

    Low: 39 °F

  • Friday

    Friday: A slight chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon.  High near 63. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.  Chance of precipitation is 80%.

    Slight Chance
    Showers then
    Showers

    High: 63 °F

  • Friday
    Night

    Friday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight.  Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. South southwest wind 6 to 10 mph.  Chance of precipitation is 60%.

    Showers
    Likely then
    Mostly Cloudy

    Low: 40 °F

  • Saturday

    Saturday: A chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon.  High near 62. West wind 6 to 11 mph.  Chance of precipitation is 80%.

    Chance
    Showers then
    Showers

    High: 62 °F

  • Saturday
    Night

    Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a slight chance of showers.  Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. East northeast wind 6 to 10 mph.  Chance of precipitation is 60%.

    Showers
    Likely then
    Slight Chance
    Showers

    Low: 41 °F

  • Sunday

    Sunday: A chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after noon.  High near 60. East wind 7 to 10 mph.  Chance of precipitation is 80%.

    Chance
    Showers then
    Showers

    High: 60 °F

The Last Word

Thank you to everyone that sent in observations, read the advisories, took an avalanche class or donated money, time or gear. Our success is directly related to community support and the Forest Service. Have a safe spring and summer!

 

4 / 28 / 23  <<  
 
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