GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Thu Apr 10, 2025
This is Alex Marienthal with the avalanche forecast on Thursday, April 10th, at 7:00 a.m. sponsored by Alpine Orthopedics & Sports Medicine and Stronghold Fabrication. This forecast does not apply to operating ski areas.
This morning there is no new snow and temperatures are high 20s to low 30s F. Wind is out of the west at 10-20 mph with gusts to 30 mph. Yesterday afternoon winds were moderate to strong out of the west and northwest, averaging 15-35 mph with gusts reaching 50-65 mph.
Today, skies will be mostly sunny with temperatures reaching mid-40s to mid-50s F, and light to moderate wind out of the west-southwest at 10-25 mph. Tonight temperatures will drop to mid-30s and low 40s F under partly to mostly clear skies.
Tomorrow will be similarly warm and sunny before cooler, wet and snowy weather arrives Friday night through Sunday morning.
All Regions
The main avalanche concern is wet loose avalanches due to above freezing temperatures and sunshine that will make the snow surface wet and non-cohesive. Snow that fell on Tuesday will quickly become moist and slide easily on firm crusts underneath. Larger slides are possible where more snow fell on Tuesday. Wet loose slides even just a few inches deep can easily knock you over, entrain a lot of snow, run long distances and pack a powerful punch if you get caught in one. Natural wet loose slides will initiate near rock outcrops on steep, sunny slopes. Pay attention to what is above you and avoid or minimize time spent on and below steep sunny slopes, especially during the heat of the day. Look for slopes with colder drier snow, and plan to be off and out from below steep slopes before the snow surface becomes moist or wet.
Wind slab avalanches are an additional concern. Moderate to strong westerly wind drifted recent snow into stiffer slabs that are possible for a person to trigger. Yesterday, Dave saw natural wind slab avalanches in the Bridger Range (observation), and near Big Sky skiers triggered some 1 foot deep slabs with a small cornice drop (observation). Although relatively small, these slabs can easily carry you down a steep slope. Watch for a textured or rounded snow surface as signs of recent wind slabs. Cracks shooting across the snow from your skis or snowmobile are a sign recent drifts are unstable. Be cautious of wind-loaded slopes, especially where a slide could drag you into rocks, trees or over cliffs.
Cornices along ridgelines will weaken with the heat and could break on their own or under the weight of a person. Minimize time on slopes below cornices, and stay far back from the edge while traveling along ridgelines.
The avalanche danger is MODERATE throughout the forecast area.
If you encounter an error with our observation submission platform, please email your observations to mtavalanche@gmail.com or send a message to @mtavalanche on Instagram or Facebook.
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!