Trip Planning for Southern Madison

as of 5:00 am
Today1″ | 5-22 S
Mar 29 1″ | 15-30 S
Mar 28 0″ | 15-30 SE
9460′     03/30 at 19:00
19.3℉
S - 9mph
Gusts 17 mph
9000′     03/30 at 18:00
22℉
72″ Depth
Bottom Line: Near Island Park and West Yellowstone, where less new snow has fallen, large avalanches are unlikely. Small wind slab or wet loose avalanches in isolated areas are something to keep in mind, but would only be an issue in extreme terrain where being knocked over would have big consequences, like above cliffs or on long, firm steep slopes.

Past 5 Days

Wed Mar 26

Considerable
Thu Mar 27

Moderate
Fri Mar 28

Low
Sat Mar 29

Low
Today

Low

Relevant Avalanche Activity

Southern Madison
Taylor Fork
Triggered avalanche in Taylor Fork
Incident details include images
Taylor Fork
HS-AM
Elevation: 9,070
Aspect: N
Coordinates: 44.9442, -111.2850
Caught: 0 ; Buried: 0

Snowmobile triggered slide in Taylor Fork today from above cutting across. Nobody caught. 2.5 feet deep 150 feet wide


More Avalanche Details
Southern Madison
Sunlight Basin
Persistent slab avalanche in the Taylor Fork
Incident details include images
Sunlight Basin
SS-AM-R2-D2-O
Coordinates: 44.9731, -111.3100
Caught: 0 ; Buried: 0

From FB message. Today (3/19) in Taylor Fork


More Avalanche Details
Southern Madison
Taylor Fork
Snowmobiler triggered 3 foot deep slide Sunlight Basin
Incident details include images
Incident details contain video
Taylor Fork
HS-AMu-R2-D2-O
Elevation: 8,800
Aspect: NW
Coordinates: 44.9772, -111.2860
Caught: 0 ; Buried: 0

A group of riders saw Mark at the gas station and shared that they had triggered a 4' deep slide in a small pocket in Sunlight Basin of the Taylor Fork area. It was in an area with a relatively shallower snowpack, and broke on weak snow near the bottom of the snowpack. The rider that triggered it was going uphill and got stuck shortly after and noted the snowpack was much deeper there.


More Avalanche Details

Relevant Photos

Displaying 1 - 40
  • Understanding Avalanche Safety Preparedness – 5-Minute Survey for Motorized Users

    We need your input! Eastern Oregon University is conducting a survey to better understand avalanche safety preparedness among motorized backcountry users like you. Your feedback will help us learn more about who is purchasing and practicing with avalanche rescue gear (beacon, probe, shovel) and participating in avalanche education—and why some riders aren’t.  The survey is confidential and anonymous.  

    Your feedback is invaluable in improving avalanche education and awareness. Please take a moment to share your experience and help us make a difference.

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  • Snowmobile triggered slide in Taylor Fork today from above cutting across. Nobody caught. 2.5 feet deep 150 feet wide

  • Snowmobile triggered slide in Taylor Fork today from above cutting across. Nobody caught. 2.5 feet deep 150 feet wide

  • Persistent slab avalanche from  (3/19) in Sunlight Basin, Taylor Fork. Photo: Anonymous

  • Persistent slab avalanche from (3/19) in Sunlight Basin, Taylor Fork. Photo: Anonymous

  • We rode into Tepee Basin and to the north wilderness boundary. There was 1.5-2 feet of new snow that fell since Thursday. We dug (3) snowpits on northeast, north and southeast slopes, between 8800'-9200'. The pits on northerly slopes had ECTP 17 and 22 on a thin weak layer below the new snow. We also had ECTP 6 within the storm snow. Photo: GNFAC

  • On March 15 We looked at the avalanche in Sunlight Basin/Taylor Fork that was triggered by a snowmobiler yesterday (Mar 14). It was 50' wide, 100' vertical, 2-3' deep hard slab with 8-9" new snow on top. Broke on weak facets buried in late January. Dirt layer from Feb 4 was visible 6-8" above weak layer. Bed surface was 3" to 1.5' deep of weak, sugary facets. Slope angle was 38-40+ degrees. 8800', WNW aspect. Photo: GNFAC

  • On March 15 We looked at the avalanche in Sunlight Basin/Taylor Fork that was triggered by a snowmobiler yesterday (Mar 14). It was 50' wide, 100' vertical, 2-3' deep hard slab with 8-9" new snow on top. Broke on weak facets buried in late January. Dirt layer from Feb 4 was visible 6-8" above weak layer. Bed surface was 3" to 1.5' deep of weak, sugary facets. Slope angle was 38-40+ degrees. 8800', WNW aspect. Photo: GNFAC

  • On March 15 We looked at the avalanche in Sunlight Basin/Taylor Fork that was triggered by a snowmobiler yesterday (Mar 14). It was 50' wide, 100' vertical, 2-3' deep hard slab with 8-9" new snow on top. Broke on weak facets buried in late January. Dirt layer from Feb 4 was visible 6-8" above weak layer. Bed surface was 3" to 1.5' deep of weak, sugary facets. Slope angle was 38-40+ degrees. 8800', WNW aspect. Photo: GNFAC

  • On March 15 We looked at the avalanche in Sunlight Basin/Taylor Fork that was triggered by a snowmobiler yesterday (Mar 14). It was 50' wide, 100' vertical, 2-3' deep hard slab with 8-9" new snow on top. Broke on weak facets buried in late January. Dirt layer from Feb 4 was visible 6-8" above weak layer. Bed surface was 3" to 1.5' deep of weak, sugary facets. Slope angle was 38-40+ degrees. 8800', WNW aspect. Photo: GNFAC

  • On March 15 We looked at the avalanche in Sunlight Basin/Taylor Fork that was triggered by a snowmobiler yesterday (Mar 14). It was 50' wide, 100' vertical, 2-3' deep hard slab with 8-9" new snow on top. Broke on weak facets buried in late January. Dirt layer from Feb 4 was visible 6-8" above weak layer. Bed surface was 3" to 1.5' deep of weak, sugary facets. Slope angle was 38-40+ degrees. 8800', WNW aspect. Photo: GNFAC

  • On Mar 14 A group of riders shared that they had triggered a 4' deep slide in a small pocket in Sunlight Basin of the Taylor Fork area. It was in an area with a relatively shallower snowpack, and broke on weak snow near the bottom of the snowpack. The rider that triggered it was going uphill and got stuck shortly after and noted the snowpack was much deeper there.

  • Another day of warm temps and clear skies allowed us to cover a lot of ground in the Southern Madisons. We rode into the Taylor Fork, up to the weather station, to the top of Carrot Basin, through Sage Basin, up and over into Cabin Creek, and all the way up to the head of Red Canyon.

    There were a handful of small wet-loose avalanches on solar aspects that we noted throughout the day. While northerly aspects stayed cold, solar aspects became wet a couple inches down. Photo: GNFAC

     

  • Another day of warm temps and clear skies allowed us to cover a lot of ground in the Southern Madisons. We rode into the Taylor Fork, up to the weather station, to the top of Carrot Basin, through Sage Basin, up and over into Cabin Creek, and all the way up to the head of Red Canyon.

    There were a handful of small wet-loose avalanches on solar aspects that we noted throughout the day. While northerly aspects stayed cold, solar aspects became wet a couple inches down. Photo: GNFAC

     

  • Photo taken Mar 1 by GNFAC

     

  • We also spotted an old wind slab avalanche (R1-D2) that broke earlier this week in Sunlight Basin. Photo: GNFAC

     

  • On Mar 1 we also spotted one older cornice-fall triggered avalanche in Sunlight Basin. Photo: GNFAC

     

  • On Mar 1 we also spotted two cornice-fall triggered (R2-D2) avalanches that broke earlier this week - one in Sunlight Basin and one in Sage Basin. Photo: GNFAC

     

     

  • On Mar 1 We also spotted one cornice-fall triggered (R2-D2) avalanche that broke earlier this week in Sage Basin. Photo: GNFAC

  • At the top of Carrot Basin, we saw a small avalanche (R1-D1) on a N aspect that likely broke yesterday on buried weak layers. Photo: GNFAC

     

  • At the top of Carrot Basin, we saw a small avalanche (R1-D1) on a N aspect that likely broke yesterday on buried weak layers. Photo: GNFAC

     

  • A rider triggered a huge avalanche in the uppermost reaches of Targhee creek on a north facing slope at 9200'

  • A rider triggered a huge avalanche in the uppermost reaches of Targhee creek on a north facing slope at 9200'

  • A rider triggered a huge avalanche in the uppermost reaches of Targhee creek on a north facing slope at 9200'

  • From IG message: "Getting word that a group triggered a decent slide today out at cabin creek. I’ll attach the coordinates to the general area, to the best of my knowledge.

    44.86484, -111.22023

    No burials. They were able to outride if. But thought I’d send coordinates in case you guys were gonna be in the area and wanted to check it out."

  • From IG message: "Getting word that a group triggered a decent slide today out at cabin creek. I’ll attach the coordinates to the general area, to the best of my knowledge.

    44.86484, -111.22023

    No burials. They were able to outride if. But thought I’d send coordinates in case you guys were gonna be in the area and wanted to check it out."

  • Snowmobile triggered avalanche likely on Saturday, Feb 22. It appeared that no one was caught or buried.

     

  • Snowmobile triggered avalanche that resulted in a partial burial with no injuries on Friday, Feb 21.

     

  • Snowmobile triggered avalanche that resulted in a partial burial with no injuries on Friday, Feb 21.

     

  • From IG message: "We remotely triggered this hillside in Taylor's fork yesterday [2/21] from the Ridgeline above it. We were looking for a safe spot to drop down when it released below us. Circled around for some pictures. The snow was pretty shallow, only 2-3 feet deep, and slid to the ground. South facing slope"

  • From IG message: "We remotely triggered this hillside in Taylor's fork yesterday [2/21] from the Ridgeline above it. We were looking for a safe spot to drop down when it released below us. Circled around for some pictures. The snow was pretty shallow, only 2-3 feet deep, and slid to the ground. South facing slope"

  • From IG message: "We remotely triggered this hillside in Taylor's fork yesterday [2/21] from the Ridgeline above it. We were looking for a safe spot to drop down when it released below us. Circled around for some pictures. The snow was pretty shallow, only 2-3 feet deep, and slid to the ground. South facing slope"

  •  There was a thin melt/freeze crust formed on solar aspects lower down (up to ~500 feet above the parking). Photo: BP

  • From email: "One of my crew was partially buried in an avalanche today(head about 1’ down, leg and arm still above snow) at approximately 13:10 hrs.  Slope was greater than 35 degrees, crown approximately 85 yards wide, over 3’ at its thickest point.  I believe it was a NE exposure with wind loading at the top.  I had a bad feeling about this slope and mentioned it to my crew and avoided riding on it until one rider ran out of gas and I had to help him.  Upon completion of task, I rode back to a spot that wasn’t as safe a vantage point as what I had previously stayed at, but the intention was we were all on our way out.  So I parked and within 30 seconds, I hear my friend yelling behind me. I turn and immediately think “oh he’s about to hit us”.  So, I  attempted to start up my sled, to no avail While watching behind me.  Suddenly, a massive “snow cloud” appeared about 30 yards above him and it took about 2-4 seconds to register that it was an avalanche and not another rider careening out of control at us.  By that time, it was too late to do anything.  The avalanche had reached the back of my friend and my sled, pushing us forward about 6 feet at 3-4mph.  After it stopped, I assessed 3 of four of our team was accounted for, and one (the one who yelled at us) was not.  He was partially buried by the front of the avalanche much like our sleds were.  Fortunately, within 5 seconds, I saw an arm and a leg sticking out of the snow and we had his airway and head cleared within about 20 seconds.   He was located approximately 10 yards from us.  "

  • From email: "One of my crew was partially buried in an avalanche today(head about 1’ down, leg and arm still above snow) at approximately 13:10 hrs.  Slope was greater than 35 degrees, crown approximately 85 yards wide, over 3’ at its thickest point.  I believe it was a NE exposure with wind loading at the top.  I had a bad feeling about this slope and mentioned it to my crew and avoided riding on it until one rider ran out of gas and I had to help him.  Upon completion of task, I rode back to a spot that wasn’t as safe a vantage point as what I had previously stayed at, but the intention was we were all on our way out.  So I parked and within 30 seconds, I hear my friend yelling behind me. I turn and immediately think “oh he’s about to hit us”.  So, I  attempted to start up my sled, to no avail While watching behind me.  Suddenly, a massive “snow cloud” appeared about 30 yards above him and it took about 2-4 seconds to register that it was an avalanche and not another rider careening out of control at us.  By that time, it was too late to do anything.  The avalanche had reached the back of my friend and my sled, pushing us forward about 6 feet at 3-4mph.  After it stopped, I assessed 3 of four of our team was accounted for, and one (the one who yelled at us) was not.  He was partially buried by the front of the avalanche much like our sleds were.  Fortunately, within 5 seconds, I saw an arm and a leg sticking out of the snow and we had his airway and head cleared within about 20 seconds.   He was located approximately 10 yards from us.  "

  • Snowmobile triggered avalanche in Teepee Basin. 

  • Large cornice fall triggered avalanche in Sage Creek, Photo: GNFAC

  • This snowpit on a SE aspect was made up of a dense slab of recent snow, sitting on top of many different layers of junky, faceted grains. Propagation was easy to find (ECTP 11, HS: 112).  Photo: GNFAC

  • We saw up to five recent avalanches from the last few days. 1-2 looked to have failed on PWLs, and the rest were wind slabs. Cornice collapses triggered at least two of these avalanches. Photo: GNFAC

  • Taylor Fork, Feb 13. Photo: GNFAC

Videos- Southern Madison

WebCams


Raynolds Pass, Looking N

Snowpit Profiles- Southern Madison

 

Select a snowpit on the map to view the profile image

Weather Forecast Southern Madison

Extended Forecast for

20 Miles S Big Sky MT

Winter Storm Watch March 31, 06:00pm until April 2, 12:00amClick here for hazard details and duration Winter Storm Watch
  • Tonight

    Tonight: A 50 percent chance of snow, mainly after 3am.  Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. South southwest wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.  Total nighttime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

    Low: 21 °F

    Mostly Cloudy
    then Chance
    Snow

  • Monday

    Monday: Snow likely before noon, then a chance of snow showers between noon and 3pm, then snow likely after 3pm. Some thunder is also possible.  Mostly cloudy, with a high near 28. South southwest wind 14 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.  Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

    High: 28 °F

    Snow Likely

  • Monday Night

    Monday Night: Snow likely.  Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17. South wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.  Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

    Low: 17 °F

    Snow Likely

  • Tuesday

    Tuesday: Snow.  High near 23. West wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.  Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

    High: 23 °F

    Snow

  • Tuesday Night

    Tuesday Night: A 50 percent chance of snow.  Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. West northwest wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.  New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

    Low: 18 °F

    Chance Snow

  • Wednesday

    Wednesday: Snow likely, mainly after noon.  Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26. Northwest wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.  Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

    High: 26 °F

    Snow Likely

  • Wednesday Night

    Wednesday Night: A 30 percent chance of snow, mainly before midnight.  Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. Northwest wind 7 to 11 mph becoming south after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.  Little or no snow accumulation expected.

    Low: 16 °F

    Chance Snow

  • Thursday

    Thursday: Snow likely, mainly after noon.  Partly sunny, with a high near 27. South wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

    High: 27 °F

    Snow Likely

  • Thursday Night

    Thursday Night: A chance of snow, mainly before midnight.  Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17.

    Low: 17 °F

    Chance Snow

The Last Word

Eastern Oregon University is conducting a survey to better understand avalanche safety preparedness among motorized backcountry users like you. Your feedback will help us learn more about who is purchasing and practicing with avalanche rescue gear (beacon, probe, shovel) and participating in avalanche education.  The survey is confidential and anonymous. 

Your feedback is invaluable; please take a moment to share your experience and help us make a difference.

https://eoustmhs.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3L8QKAuZzcxJBLo

03 / 29 / 25  <<  
 
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