Yellowstone Ski Tours

Some surface hoar found today- mostly in the lower and mid elevations. The upper elevation terrain/above treeline, was generally wind affected. No collapsing nor cracking experienced today.

We had increasing collapsing of the snowpack above 9300', and noted natural avalanches on adjacent alpine slopes (all aspects, presumably on a density change within the new snow).

The rain/ snow line from April 8 and 9 appeared to be around 8600'-9,000'. Below that elevation the snow was saturated 10-15cms below the surface. However, the snow was consistently supportable to the weight of a skier above 7700'.

Lots of nearby avalanche activity from the last storm (about 1 week ago).

Slightly wind loaded slope- from previous storms.

Snowpit dug on belay.

Observed a recent avalanche on an adjacent, wind loaded SE aspect (2-4' deep and 200' wide).

One collapse experienced at about 7500' on the approach. Winds were blustery and moving snow about the upper elevation ridgelines today, but light in the mid elevations. Also noted some small natural loose snow avalanches on steep northerly facing terrain (from the last 36 hrs.).