This is Alex Marienthal with the avalanche forecast on Wednesday, April 9th, at 7:00 a.m. sponsored by Beartooth Adventures and Bridger Bowl. This forecast does not apply to operating ski areas.
Yesterday’s storm delivered more than expected with snow above ~7,000’ and a mix of rain and snow at lower elevations. Since precipitation began early yesterday, total snow water equivalent (SWE) amounts and estimated snow depths are:
- 0.9-1.0” SWE with 4-9” snow near Island Park and West Yellowstone.
- 0.3-0.5” SWE with 3-5” snow in the Taylor Fork, Big Sky, Hyalite, Bridger Range and Cooke City.
This morning, temperatures are low 20s to low 30s F, and wind is out of the west and northwest at 10-20 mph with gusts of 20-40 mph.
Today, under clearing skies, temperatures will reach mid-30s to mid-40s F, and this afternoon westerly winds will increase to 15-25 mph with gusts of 30-45 mph.
The next couple days look mostly clear and sunny with daytime temperatures reaching high 40s to mid-50s F and overnight lows in the 30s F. This weekend will have cooler temperatures with a chance for heavy snowfall.
All Regions
New snow that fell yesterday creates a couple avalanche problems to watch for. Wet loose avalanches will be easy to trigger when the new snow gets wet from sun and above freezing temperatures. These slides will be larger where there is more new snow, and even just a few inches of wet snow sliding can easily knock you over. These slides are somewhat predictable and typically start right at your skis, feet or sled, making them relatively easy to avoid. However, they can entrain a lot of snow, run long distances and pack a powerful punch if you get caught in one. Plan to be off and out from below steep slopes before the snow surface is moist or wet.
Wind slab avalanches are also possible where westerly winds drift the new snow into stiffer slabs. Increasing winds later today will continue to grow fresh drifts. Watch for snow blowing off ridgelines, or a textured or rounded snow surface as signs of fresh wind slabs. Cracks shooting across the snow from your skis or snowmobile are a sign fresh drifts are unstable. Be cautious of wind-loaded slopes, especially where a slide could drag you into rocks, trees or over cliffs.
Cornice falls are an additional concern to keep in mind. These will become an increasing concern over the next couple days of hotter temperatures and sun. Minimize time on slopes below cornices, especially during the heat of the day, and stay far back from the edge while traveling along ridgelines.
Carefully evaluate the stability of the new snow before traveling on steep slopes. The avalanche danger is MODERATE near Bozeman, Big Sky, West Yellowstone, Island Park and Cooke City.
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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. Contact the Bozeman FS Ranger District for more info.
For years, the avalanche community has worked to understand and address the human factors that influence decision-making in the backcountry. With decades of research as their foundation, Sara Boilen and Ian McCammon are developing an open-source tool to help individuals mitigate risk in avalanche terrain. The project's first stage involves interviewing backcountry recreationalists who have been traveling in avalanche terrain for at least one season. All participants will be entered to win amazing raffle prizes (from Jones Snowboards, BCA, and more!). If you’re curious about being involved, please take 1-2 minutes to fill out their basic initial survey!