Photos

On January 18, 2022 a weak layer of surface hoar was buried by 1-2" of new snow near Cooke City. As more snow builds a slab over this weak layer it will cause avalanches. Photo: GNFAC

On January 18, 2022 a weak layer of surface hoar was buried by 1-2" of new snow near Cooke City. As more snow builds a slab over this weak layer it will cause avalanches. Photo: GNFAC

A group in the Wolverine Cirque noted several small wet loose avalanches that occurred during recent warm weather. 

Riders in the Lionhead area noted that a layer of feathery surface hoar is continuing to grow. If this gets buried by the next snowstorm it will become a new weak layer. Photo: G Ewsuk

A group at Ernie Miller Ridge had an unstable test score in their second snowpit of the day (1/16/22). Lingering instabilities are isolated but it is an excellent idea to dig down and test the snowpack before getting into avalanche terrain. Photo: T Dumbrovsky

We saw surface hoar on all aspects near Cooke City on January 16, 2022. Photo: GNFAC

A view of Sacajewea Peak from the Fairy Lake road. Evidence of winds are seen on the right shoulder of the peak. Photo: GNFAC

Slopes on Hardscabble Peak in the northern Bridger Range show bare slopes that got blown clean by wind. Photo: GNFAC

In the northern Bridger Range we dug a pit at 8700 feet on a north facing slope before skiing the chute into the basin. Our stability tests did not break and all evidence pointed to a LOW danger. Photo: GNFAC

Riders reported on 1/15/22: "Some surface hoar is forming on nearly every aspect at all elevations. over 1 cm thick in some areas." Photo: B. Rasmussen

Riders reported on 1/15/22: "Some surface hoar is forming on nearly every aspect at all elevations. over 1 cm thick in some areas." Photo: B. Rasmussen

Settlement rings around the base of trees near Cooke City, January 15, 2022. Photo: B. Fredlund

Large cornices in 2nd Yellowmule on Buck Ridge. 1/13/22. Photo: GNFAC

Seen 1/14/22, R1-D2 on west aspect at 9,500'. Photo: GNFAC

Avalanche that is likely 5-7 days old in Sunlight Basin, Taylor Fork, southern Madison Range. Photo taken 1/14/22 by GNFAC

Avalanche that is likely 5-7 days old in Sunlight Basin, southern Madison Range. Photo taken 1/14/22 by GNFAC

Avalanche that is likely 5-7 days old in Taylor Fork, southern Madison Range. Photo taken 1/14/22 by GNFAC

Natural avalanche near Fairy Lake. Observed 1/13/22, likely broke several days prior. Photo: N. Crews

Avalanches on Red Mountain. Photo taken 1/13/22. Likely broke around 1/8/22. Photo: M. Standal

A cornice collapse likely triggered this large natural avalanche on 27 Dec 2021. The crown was 4-6' deep. Photo: S. Culotta