Good morning. This is Eric Knoff with the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Advisory issued on Saturday, March 14, at 7:30 a.m. Outlaw Partners and Edward Jones sponsor today’s advisory. This advisory does not apply to operating ski areas.
At 4 a.m. mountain temperatures are in the mid to upper 30s F with the exception of Cooke City where temps are in the upper 20s F. Winds are increasing out of the W-SW blowing 15-30 mph with gusts in Hyalite and Big Sky reaching over 40 mph. Today, near record highs will impact southwest Montana. Temperatures in the valley will reach close to 70 degrees F while mountain temperatures will warm into the mid-40s to low 50s F. Winds will continue to blow 15-30 out of the W-SW with gusts reaching over 40 mph in upper elevation terrain. Skies will start out partly cloudy this morning, but will become increasingly cloudy throughout the day. No precipitation is expected over the next 24 hours, but a good shot of moisture is forecasted to arrive Sunday night into Monday.
Bridger Range Madison Range Gallatin Range
Lionhead Area near West Yellowstone Cooke City
Wet loose avalanches will be today's primary concern. Instability will start on south and east facing slopes this morning and will move to west facing slopes as the day progresses.
Yesterday, I was in Beehive Basin and did not observe wet loose avalanches until mid-afternoon (photo). Today, I expect wet loose activity to begin earlier due to the lack of freezing temperatures overnight. If you are traveling in soft, wet snow deeper than a boot top, it will be a good idea to avoid steep terrain or move to shadier aspects. Also, pay attention to obvious signs of instability such as roller balls or recent avalanche activity. These are Mother Nature’s clues that instability is on the rise.
Increasing cloud cover and stronger winds may help reduce the potential for wet loose activity today, but I would not rely heavily on these factors due to such warm temperatures.
Today, the dry snow avalanche danger will be LOW. The wet snow avalanche danger will start out LOW but will rise to MODERATE as the day progresses.
I will issue the next advisory tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m. If you have any snowpack or avalanche observations drop us a line at mtavalanche@gmail.com or call us at 587-6984.