The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center (GNFAC) has issued an avalanche warning for Montana’s Bridger Range through the rest of today and tonight, citing a combination of heavy snowfall and an unstable snowpack.
“Close to 1 foot of new snow has fallen onto a weak and unstable snowpack,” the warning reads. “Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist, and the danger is rated HIGH. Human-triggered and natural avalanches are likely.”
The GNFAC cautions backcountry travelers to avoid steep slopes for the time being and issued a reminder that avalanches can be remotely triggered from flat areas.
In a January 7th video, GNFAC forecaster Alex Marienthal explained the Bridger Range’s current snowpack, saying that it’s “really weak everywhere.”
Since Marienthal shared his thoughts, the Bridger Range has received additional snow, stressing the weak layers lurking below.
The rest of the GNFAC’s forecast zones—including the Gallatin Range, Madison Range, Lionhead Range, Cooke City, and Island Park—remain “considerable” in risk, meaning natural avalanches are possible, and human-triggered avalanches are likely.
Related: Utah Ski Area Has Surpassed 200+ Inches Of Snow This Season
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