A November 6th skier trigger avalanche has been reported in the Super Couloir area of Bridger Bowl Ski Resort in Montana. Thankfully no one was caught in the slide which had a depth of two feet and ran 500 feet.
Bridger Bowl is not yet open for the season (projected opening December 13th) and The Friends of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center warns all necessary avalanche safety precautions should be taken if you choose to ride within the resorts boundaries at this time:
“The area within the boundaries of Bridger Bowl have a backcountry snowpack and should be treated as such until the ski area opens and ski patrol begins avalanche mitigation work. Currently, there are no Ski Patrol services or rescue. Be prepared for partner rescue (beacon, shovel, probe and a partner in position to help).”
While we encourage skiers and snowboarders to get out and enjoy the early season snow, we want to echo GNFAC sentiments about avalanche safety as we head into winter. With thin snow pack conditions as they are, getting caught in an avalanche at this time will likely result in trauma from hitting rocks and the underlying ground surfaces. Be prepared, be safe, have fun.
Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center (GNFAC):
“Yesterday November 6th, a skier at Bridger Bowl triggered an avalanche in Super Couloir that broke 2-2.5 feet deep, 20 feet wide, and ran approximately 500 feet. No one was caught.
The area within the boundaries of Bridger Bowl have a backcountry snowpack and should be treated as such until the ski area opens and ski patrol begins avalanche mitigation work. Currently, there are no Ski Patrol services or rescue. Be prepared for partner rescue (beacon, shovel, probe and a partner in position to help). Call 911 if additional assistance is needed.
It is great to see everyone getting out to enjoy the new snow. Make safe decisions as we head into winter. Getting caught in an avalanche when the snow pack is thin will likely result in trauma from hitting rocks and the underlying ground surfaces.”
11/6/2024
Bridger Bowl, Bridger Range
Elevation: 8100
Aspect: NE
Notes:
From IG Message: “Hey guys – my partner broke off a small avalanche in super couloir today… broke full depth across half the couloir, 2-3’ deep/20’ wide and looked like it ran around 500’. No one was caught. He might message you with pictures too but here’s a video from the top”
From IG Message: “Skier triggered Pocket in super couloir. Wasn’t very unexpected, the skiers left side felt a little slabbier than the skiers right and tried to stay off it but got blinded by a sick face shot. Triggered going over a sharky rock spot, not very fast moving and easy to ski out of. Snow depth was 2-2.5 feet”
Number of slides: 1
Number caught: 0
Number buried:0
Avalanche Type:Soft slab avalanche
Trigger: Skier
Slab Thickness: 24.0 inches
Vertical Fall: 500ft
Slab Width: 20.00ft
