Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center

Shady, high elevation aspect. Upper half of snowpack is from storm last weekend. Lower half is series of Sep. to October storms. Obvious signs of instability (i.e., avalanches, cracking, collapsing) confined to recently wind load slopes. Propagation in layer of depth hoar on this slope urges caution/avoidance on steep slopes holding snow from last month.

Slope did not hold snow prior to last storm. Stable now. Faceting at the surface could be next weak layer, and could become deeper and more developed. Shallow and cold snowpack.

Majority of snowpack is from last 3 days of snowfall (20"+). Right side up, well bonded within and to crust below. Basal crust confined to high shady aspects at BB (Probably different story further north and south).

recent and mid-storm avalanche activity noted on N and E faces

Profile 10m to gunner's right flank of avalanche. ASu-HS-R2.5-D2-O. Crown was estimated 1-3 feet thick based on size of chunks in debris, reloaded by wind and snow since avalanche.

In flats below high E-NE facing bowl on east side of predominant ridge (aspect essentially 0, but similar to easterly-northeasterly aspects due to shade from ridge).

Dug 100 feet below summit, in wide NNW couloir. Pre-season (summer/fall) storm dropped 3-5' of snow over last week, came in warm and dense with strong wind, bonded well. Have observed widespread 10-20cm rain/melt crust on ground that formed at start of storm. This layer is moist in some pits and well bonded to warm/moist snow above. No sign of collapse (or shear). Main concern is fresh wind load.