Trip Planning for Lionhead Range

View Weather and Avalanche Log
24 Hour Snowfall and Wind
as of 5:00 am
Today0″ | 15-35 W
Nov 19 4″ | 10-30 W
Nov 18 1″ | 25-39 W
Lionhead Ridge Weather
9420′     11/20 at 23:00
17.8℉
SW - 26mph
Gusts 40 mph
Madison Plateau SNOTEL
7750′     11/20 at 23:00
20℉
16″ Depth
Primary Problem: Wind Slab
Bottom Line: The snowpack is thin, but we are heading in the right direction, with 5-10” of new snow falling in our latest storm. Wind slab avalanches are the primary concern. Avoid steep slopes with signs of instability, which include recent avalanches, shooting cracks, collapsing (whumphing), stiffening of the snow surface or visual cues of drifting. Avoidance should be our objective because getting captured in an avalanche of any size will likely result in traumatic injuries. To reduce the consequences of a mistake, carry rescue gear, practice with it and follow safe travel protocols in and around avalanche terrain.

Past 5 Days

Sat Nov 2

None
Wed Nov 6

None
Wed Nov 13

None
Fri Nov 15

None
Tue Nov 19

None

Relevant Avalanche Activity

Relevant Photos

Displaying 1 - 6
  • Snowpit at Bridger

    Snowpit at Bridger Bowl on 11/5. Photo: B. VandenBos

  • Cracking in recent hard wind slab

    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

  • Minor Faceting in At Spanish Peaks Resort

    From obs: "1-3 mm faceting in front of the Montage. Clear skys and mid 20 temps"

  • Fresh Snow in Big Sky

    On October 17, rain turned to snow and blanketed the mountains of southwest Montana with a fresh coat of snow. Photo: Yellowstone Club Webcam

  • Bridger Bowl Ridge Webcam

    On October 17, rain turned to snow and blanketed the mountains of southwest Montana with a fresh coat of snow. Photo: Bridger Bowl Webcams

  • Powder Blast 2024 - October 25

    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- Lionhead Range

WebCams


Raynolds Pass

Rendezvous Ski Trail, W. Yellowstone

Snowpit Profiles- Lionhead Range

 

Select a snowpit on the map to view the profile image

Weather Stations- Lionhead Range

Big Sky

Weather Forecast Lionhead Range

Full Forecast, NOAA website
Extended Forecast for

10 Miles WNW West Yellowstone MT

  • Tonight

    Tonight: A 50 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 12. Wind chill values as low as -5. South southwest wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Total nighttime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

    Low: 12 °F

    Chance Snow

  • Thursday

    Thursday: Snow. High near 27. South southwest wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

    High: 27 °F

    Snow

  • Thursday Night

    Thursday Night: Snow. Low around 26. South southwest wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

    Low: 26 °F

    Snow

  • Friday

    Friday: A 40 percent chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 30. South southwest wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

    High: 30 °F

    Chance Snow

  • Friday Night

    Friday Night: Snow likely, mainly after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. South wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

    Low: 25 °F

    Snow Likely

  • Saturday

    Saturday: Snow. High near 27. South southwest wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

    High: 27 °F

    Snow

  • Saturday Night

    Saturday Night: Snow, mainly before 11pm. Low around 16. Southwest wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

    Low: 16 °F

    Snow then
    Chance Snow

  • Sunday

    Sunday: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 19. South southwest wind 8 to 10 mph.

    High: 19 °F

    Chance Snow

  • Sunday Night

    Sunday Night: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 9.

    Low: 9 °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.

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