Photos

On 1/12 observed a D .5 soft slab near Long Lake above the snowmobile trail. Also saw some small dry loose activity on E facing terrain in Zimmer Creek. Photo: BPG

Woody Ridge north of the "KNBs." Northwest facing slope, crown elevation approx 9600'. Ran 1000 to 1200'. Photo: N Gaddy

Woody Ridge north of the "KNBs." Northwest facing slope, crown elevation approx 9600'. Ran 1000 to 1200'. Unsure of when it went, we did not notice it this morning only this afternoon on the hike out. Photo: N Gaddy

We saw a large avalanche (SS-R3-D2-O) that broke on a north facing aspect, around 2' deep, on weak snow near the ground. Photo: GNFAC

We saw a large avalanche (SS-R3-D2-O) that broke on a north facing aspect, around 2' deep, on weak snow near the ground. Photo: GNFAC

Observed a large avalanche on a west facing slope approx 10000ft, with a higher crown at 10200'. Crown depth 4-6'. HS-Ns-D2-R2-O . Ran 1000ft and into terrain I had previously considered safe. Photo: N Gaddy

Observed a large avalanche on a west facing slope approx 10000ft, with a higher crown at 10200'. Crown depth 4-6'. HS-Ns-D2-R2-O . Ran 1000ft and into terrain I had previously considered safe. Photo: N Gaddy

Observed a large avalanche on a west facing slope approx 10000ft, with a higher crown at 10200'. Crown depth 4-6'. HS-Ns-D2-R2-O . Ran 1000ft and into terrain I had previously considered safe. Photo: N Gaddy

Observed a large avalanche on a west facing slope approx 10000ft, with a higher crown at 10200'. Crown depth 4-6'. HS-Ns-D2-R2-O . Ran 1000ft and into terrain I had previously considered safe. Photo: N Gaddy

We dug a pit on an East facing aspect below the slope we had planned to ride. The height of snow was about 110 cm and there was a very concerning layer of large facets at 75cm deep going to the ground.  Photo: C Culver

Our results were CT17 SPQ2 and ECTP26 SCQ1. Bother failures during tests were on the layer of facets and on the CT and ECT our columns easily separated from the facet layer after failure. Photo: C Culver 

On Jan 12, we saw 4-5 avalanche crowns that were up to a week old, some had been reported and a few we had not heard of. Two were ~2' deep on less wind affected slopes lower down in the trees, but probably had some previous wind-loading. Photo: GNFAC

On Jan 12, we saw 4-5 avalanche crowns that were up to a week old, some had been reported and a few we had not heard of. Two were ~2' deep on less wind affected slopes lower down in the trees, but probably had some previous wind-loading. Photo: GNFAC

On Jan 12 We saw 4-5 avalanche crowns that were up to a week old, some had been reported and a few we had not heard of. The pictured one was a 3-4'+thick slab on a rocky heavily wind-loaded slope off Lionhead ridge. Photo: GNFAC

A wind slab avalanche was seen just below Two Top. This appeared to be a natural slide although tracks can be seen above and to the left of the crown. This was on a northeast facing slope that was wind loaded. The avalanche appeared to be fresh after recent snow. Photo: C Barnhart

Probably already reported...but touchy storm slabs on Mt Blackmore. Attached is a photo of a natural from the approach, at the switchbacks to the upper basin.

Photo: Anonymous

Recent natural avalanche: on an easterly aspect around 9200', on Hardscrabble Peak in the northern Bridgers. Photo: B Fredlund 

Jan 10, We dug a pit on Henderson Bench on a northeast facing slope, and one on Scotch Bonnet on a south facing slope (pictured). Both showed a 4' thick strong slab on weaker, faceted snow at the base. The weak layers are not terribly weak and didn't produce concerning test scores, so they may get better when they get a break from snowfall and wind-loading, but for now recent avalanches show these layers are weak enough and will produce more big avalanches as snowfall and wind continue. Photo: GNFAC

We looked at two 4-6' deep persistent slab avalanches that were reported yesterday on the east side of Henderson Mtn., which likely happened yesterday (Jan 9). Wind-loading was the likely trigger. There were not tracks near the larger one above the bench, where riders could easily get to, but they could have been filled in. The other slide was below the highest point below a cornice and likely natural. Both looked like they broke on facets at the bottom of the snowpack. Photo: GNFAC

We looked at two 4-6' deep persistent slab avalanches that were reported yesterday on the east side of Henderson Mtn., which likely happened yesterday (Jan. 9). Wind-loading was the likely trigger. There were not tracks near the larger one above the bench, where riders could easily get to, but they could have been filled in. The other slide was below the highest point below a cornice and likely natural. Both looked like they broke on facets at the bottom of the snowpack. Photo: GNFAC