24-25

Thin Wind Slab Avalanche near Hardscrabble

Fairy Lake
Bridger Range
Code
SS-N-R1-D1-I
Elevation
9000
Aspect
SE
Latitude
45.90430
Longitude
-110.95800
Notes

I rode into Fairy Lake. There was 2-3” of new snow above the elevation of Fairy Lake, a trace below. Winds were cranking at ridge top elevation, transporting what soft snow there was. Minimal hazard formation. I spotted one fresh wind slab avalanche near Hardscrabble. The slide ran several hundred feet in steep terrain but was very thin (R1,D1). 

There was a mostly supportable crust below the new snow about 1” thick. The snow below the crust was moist. 

Number of slides
1
Number caught
0
Number buried
0
Avalanche Type
Soft slab avalanche
Trigger
Natural trigger
R size
1
D size
1
Bed Surface
I - Interface between new and old snow
Problem Type
Wind Slab
Slab Thickness
3.0 inches
Vertical Fall
200ft
Slab Width
150.00ft
Images
Small Wind Slab near Hardscrabble
Wind Loading in the Northern Bridgers
Snow Observation Source
Thin Wind Slab Avalanche Hardscrabble
Slab Thickness units
inches
Single / Multiple / Red Flag
Single Avalanche
Advisory Year
24-25

Winds were cranking at ridge top elevation, transporting what soft snow there was. Minimal hazard formation. I spotted one fresh wind slab avalanche near Hardscrabble. The slide ran several hundred feet in steep terrain but was very thin (R1,D1). Photo: GNFAC

Avalanche Details: Thin Wind Slab Avalanche near Hardscrabble
Forecast link: GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Thu Apr 10, 2025GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Fri Apr 11, 2025
Bridger Range, 2025-04-09
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    • Thin Wind Slab Avalanche Hardscrabble

    Date
    Activity
    Snowmobiling

    I rode into Fairy Lake. There was 2-3” of new snow above the elevation of Fairy Lake, a trace below. Winds were cranking at ridge top elevation, transporting what soft snow there was. Minimal hazard formation. I spotted one fresh wind slab avalanche near Hardscrabble. The slide ran several hundred feet in steep terrain but was very thin (R1,D1). 

    There was a mostly supportable crust below the new snow about 1” thick. The snow below the crust was moist. 

    Region
    Bridger Range
    Location (from list)
    Fairy Lake
    Observer Name
    Dave Zinn

    GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Wed Apr 9, 2025

    Snowpack and Avalanche Discussion

    <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>New snow that fell yesterday creates a couple avalanche problems to watch for. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Wet loose avalanches</span></span></strong></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span> 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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

    <p><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Wind slab avalanches</span></span></strong></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span> 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&nbsp; 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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

    <p><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Cornice falls</span></span></strong></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span> 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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

    <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

    Hyalite Road Closure 

    Howling winds outside Cooke

    Date
    Activity
    Skiing
    Snowmobiling

    Roaring wind, graupal, low to no visibility. 3-5'' of mixed snow forms. Skiing was surprisingly good and wind slabs generally unreactive, but I was just on lower Fisher, right below Lulu. Picture is South East on Scotch Bonnet 

     

     

    Region
    Cooke City
    Location (from list)
    Lulu Pass

    Howling winds outside Cooke

    Date
    Activity
    Skiing
    Snowmobiling

    Roaring wind, graupal, low to no visibility. 3-5'' of mixed snow forms. Skiing was surprisingly good and wind slabs generally unreactive, but I was just on lower Fisher, right below Lulu. Picture is South East on Scotch Bonnet 

     

     

    Region
    Cooke City
    Location (from list)
    Lulu Pass

    Howling winds outside Cooke

    Date
    Activity
    Skiing
    Snowmobiling

    Roaring wind, graupal, low to no visibility. 3-5'' of mixed snow forms. Skiing was surprisingly good and wind slabs generally unreactive, but I was just on lower Fisher, right below Lulu. Picture is South East on Scotch Bonnet 

     

     

    Region
    Cooke City
    Location (from list)
    Lulu Pass
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