20-21

<p>Most avalanches and avalanche accidents occur during and immediately following new snow. This early season storm is no exception. The mountains already have a settled snow depth of 10-30”, and last weekend we received reports of avalanche activity after a few inches of new snow (<strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/22979">photos</a></strong>,<strong&gt; <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/weather/wx-avalanche-log">weather and avalanche log</a></strong>). Today, new snow means avalanches can be triggered and steep slopes should be carefully assessed before skiing, riding or crossing underneath. Be extra cautious of slopes with fresh, pillowy drifts of snow. Look for cracking of drifts as a sign they are unstable.</p>

<p>This weekend if you are skiing, snowmobiling, ice climbing or hunting carefully assess the terrain you plan to travel in and avoid steep slopes during intense snowfall and wind. Moderate winds will accompany the new snow and grow thick slabs that could naturally avalanche or be triggered by a person. Be aware of steep terrain above you where natural avalanches (or avalanches triggered by other people) could come down from.</p>

<p>If you go in the mountains you need to prepare to minimize the risk of being injured or killed by an avalanche. First, review these reports from accidents that occurred in previous Octobers: <strong><a href="http://www.mtavalanche.com/accident/12/10/31">One accident in the familiar northern Bridger Range</a></strong> resulted in injuries to multiple skiers. <strong><a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/accident/17/10/12">The other was a tragic fatality</a></strong> three years ago, and reminds us to be diligent and stay safe. Second, look at our <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/workshops/calendar"><strong>education calendar</strong></a> for a class to attend this fall or winter. Whether it is your first class or you have taken a level 2, any class will better prepare you for winter.</p>

<p>Check our forecast page before you leave for the mountains this weekend. We will update it with early season information Saturday morning. Bring a partner, carry avalanche rescue gear (beacon, shovel and probe) and expose no more than one person at a time in avalanche terrain.</p>

<p>We are preparing for winter, scheduling avalanche classes, and setting up weather stations. If you have avalanche, snowpack or weather observations to share. Please submit them via our <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/node/add/snow_observation"><strong>website<…;, email (<a href="mailto:mtavalanche@gmail.com"><strong>mtavalanche@gmail.com</strong></a…;), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>