Yellowstone Ski Tours

We observed one recent slab avalanche (possibly 4 days old) on an adjacent SE aspect at 8600'. The crown looked to be about 15m wide and 50cms deep, on what appeared to be a non wind loaded slope.

Much shallower and weaker snow on windward SW aspects-like in this snowpit. NW aspects around this area have over 130cm HS. Thin soft slabs forming in exposed areas due to the, blustery, westerly winds. Surface cracking in localized areas. Light density new snow.

Looks too good to be true! Which it was.. Found much shallower and weaker snow 100' vertical higher, and turned around- slab over depth hoar, which would crack easily the length of your skis. Lots of rime from the last 48 hours above 9500' also.

Thin snow on approach. Minor surface cracking in places (denser new snow from yesterday). Lots of rime above 9500'.

Noted some fresh wet loose avalanches of the new snow: S, SE aspects. Also noted one small slab avalanche on a NE aspect about 8,800', approx. 1' deep and 30' wide.

Thin snowpack.