High Avalanche Danger This Weekend
Written by Andrew-Rossi on February 9, 2018
A backcountry avalanche warning is in effect for the mountains near Cooke City, just north of Yellowstone National Park.
The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center said yesterday that heavy snow and strong winds were creating a dangerous situation, with conditions growing, quote, “more unstable by the minute,” endquote. Staff at the center were in Cooke City yesterday afternoon and reported snow so deep it was hard to move, along with gusty winds that are heavily loading slopes and reducing visibility.
It has snowed 11 out of the past 12 days around Cooke City and the combination of snow and wind has, quote, “pushed many slopes past their breaking point,” according to the Center’s advisory. The avalanche danger is rated high on all slopes, and travel in avalanche terrain, including runout zones, is not recommended.