EBS STAFF
While the mountain ranges around Bozeman and Big Sky are maintaining a stronger-than-average snowpack overall, Gallatin National Forecast Avalanche Center warns recreationists that skiing on steep terrain right now “will likely trigger an avalanche … and that avalanche will likely be large enough to carry, injure or kill you,” in their Feb. 18 avalanche forecast. The avalanche danger is currently rated “considerable.”
Twenty-four hour snow totals are at 8 to 12 inches in the Bridgers, northern Gallatin and northern Madison ranges, and 4 to 6 inches in Cooke City, West Yellowstone and Island Park. Since Thursday night the Bridgers have received 36 inches of snow and Big Sky has received 43 inches of snow, according to the avalanche center.
The avalanche center warns recreationists to avoid all steep slopes that may be wind loaded, to watch for signs of instability (like cracking, “whumpfs” and existing slides) and that “careful snowpack assessment, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making” are essential skills to use in the backcountry right now.
In addition to avalanche risk, the forecast warns skiers and riders that due to our abundant snowpack, tree wells are particularly dangerous right now. “Don’t ride too close to the base of trees, and keep continuous communication with your partners and know where they are even when not in avalanche terrain,” the forecast stated.
For those looking to learn more about avalanche safety and forecasting, there’s a free advanced snow science presentation tonight, Feb. 18, by a visiting professor from Germany at Montana State University in Roberts Hall, Room 101.
