Snowpit at Bridger Bowl on 11/5. Photo: B. VandenBos
Trip Planning for Cooke City Area
Primary Problem: Wind-Drifted Snow
Bottom Line: A layered snowpack capable of producing avalanches exists across the forecast area in most mid to upper-elevation terrain. Avalanches within the new and wind-drifted snow are likely on steep slopes at the tail end of this week’s storm. Without additional loading, stability will improve throughout the week. Employ an information-gathering mindset and a healthy distrust for steep snow-covered slopes. Signs of instability, such as recent avalanche activity, shooting cracks and collapsing, are red flags and reasons to avoid avalanche terrain. Dig a quick snowpit to assess for instability when obvious signs are not present.Past 5 Days
Fri Oct 18
None
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Thu Oct 24
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Wed Oct 30
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Sat Nov 2
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Wed Nov 6
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Relevant Photos
Displaying 1 - 7
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From e-mail: "Photo attached from near top of hyalite peak, 11/2. Cracking in recent hard wind slab, I had to really jump hard to make this. Walked on many other hard slabs that were well bonded. Highly variable snowpack. I think you'd be most likely to get into trouble by popping out a small hard slab pocket like this and getting magic carpeted into some thinly covered terrain." Photo: B. VandenBos
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Screenshots of webcams throughout the forecast area show new snow and snow cover on November 1.
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From obs: "1-3 mm faceting in front of the Montage. Clear skys and mid 20 temps"
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On October 17, rain turned to snow and blanketed the mountains of southwest Montana with a fresh coat of snow. Photo: Yellowstone Club Webcam
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On October 17, rain turned to snow and blanketed the mountains of southwest Montana with a fresh coat of snow. Photo: Bridger Bowl Webcams
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The 26th annual fundraiser for the Friends of the GNFAC is October 25 at the Emerson Cultural Center. More info and tickets at: https://events.eventgroove.com/event/Powder-Blast-2024-101627
Videos- Cooke City Area
WebCams
Soda Butte Lodge, looking West
Soda Butte Lodge, looking East
Weather Stations- Cooke City Area
Weather Forecast Cooke City Area
Extended Forecast for2 Miles NNE Cooke City MT
Tonight
Low: 15 °F
Mostly Cloudy
Wednesday
High: 29 °F
Mostly Sunny
Wednesday Night
Low: 21 °F
Chance Snow
Thursday
High: 29 °F
Chance Snow
Thursday Night
Low: 19 °F
Partly Cloudy
Friday
High: 35 °F
Snow Likely
Friday Night
Low: 18 °F
Snow
Saturday
High: 24 °F
Snow then
Snow LikelySaturday Night
Low: 14 °F
Chance Snow
The Last Word
Read accident reports from previous early season accidents before you venture to the snowy hills. This accident report from October 2012 in the northern Bridger Range, and this report from the tragic fatality six years ago in early October are reminders of the potential consequences of even a small avalanche.