On Feb 9 we watched two snowboarders trigger separate wind slabs, while riding one at a time in avalanche terrain, on the south side of Scotch Bonnet. Photo: GNFAC
On Feb 9 we saw a fresh natural wind slab near Wolverine, R1-D1.5. Photo: GNFAC
BBSP measured 6"=0.25" SWE at top of Bridger
From FB message: "Two snowmobiler triggered avalanches in Southern Madison. Riders did not have beacons or rescue equipment. Riders made it out safe luckily."
We saw this today after it happened. Looked like a snowmobile triggered it. I believe it is mostly south facing. Thanks.
We saw two recent shallow wind slab avalanches. No recent slides breaking deeper.
This one at NE 9000'
Pleasantly surprised with what we found at Lionhead. Snow depths are 120-150 cm (4-5 ft)
Good visibility let us look at a huge area today and dig snow pits in 6 places mostly looking at the mid to late January near surface facets. They are generally buried ~2 feet deep.
Locations, test scores, and hardness for this layer:
We saw two recent shallow wind slab avalanches. No recent slides breaking deeper. The extra loading from wind could make this nsf layer more likely to fracture and produce an avalanche. Otherwise, it seems to be losing its sensitivity and will only improve this week with minimal loading.
Weak snow deeper in the snowpack has gained hardness and I doubt it will make avalanches unless it gets a massive load very quickly.
Snow conditions are 5-star
