This incident at Big Sky Resort, Montana, is both unusual and remarkable. On December 15, 2023, the ski patrol reported two separate avalanches in closed terrain. Intriguingly, one of these slides appears to have been inadvertently triggered by a goat. Amazingly, this goat was carried the full length of the avalanche, over a distance of 1,000 feet and through rocky terrain. Remarkably, it emerged from this perilous journey unscathed.

The evidence collected by the patrol paints a vivid picture of the event. Goat tracks were seen leading into the crown area of the avalanche and later exiting the debris pile at the bottom. Impressively, there were no signs of injury, such as blood or broken limbs, suggesting the goat was remarkably lucky to escape without harm.

The patrol’s detailed description of the goat’s journey through the avalanche is a testament to the resilience and hardiness of these animals. The fact that the goat managed to travel such a distance and through challenging conditions, only to walk away apparently unharmed, is nothing short of miraculous. This incident also underscores the unpredictable nature of avalanches and the importance of respecting closed areas in mountainous terrain for safety.

“Further investigation of the avalanche yesterday showed goat tracks leading into the crown area of the avalanche. At the debris pile, it was obvious that a goat had taken the full ride in the slide that it triggered. There was a depression in the debris pile where the critter had come to rest at the surface, and obvious hoof prints trailing away from the debris pile, and then upslope for the long walk back up to rejoin the herd. There was no blood, and the tracks looked usual, with no obvious sign of broken leg(s). It is unknown if the goat was wearing an airbag or if it was deployed in the avalanche. It was a significant ride, 1K’ vt., 1⁄4 mile linear, likely of high speed, through 2nd Dictator transition, which was taken down to mostly bare ground.”

– Big Sky Resort patrol

Meteorologist Chris Tomer gives us the latest weather update for 12//18/2023.

Chris Tomer is a renowned meteorologist and outdoor enthusiast, widely respected for his expertise in weather forecasting and mountain meteorology. With a passion for the great outdoors, Tomer combines his meteorological knowledge with a love for adventure sports, providing invaluable insights for those seeking to navigate the weather’s impact on outdoor activities.

This summer, NOAA declared the arrival of El Nino, which will last throughout the winter. And now we are seeing a slow start to winter for many areas across the United States, with some of the lowest levels of snowpack in the past 20 years.

The presence of El Niño, a climate phenomenon, can significantly impact weather patterns, but it does not “cancel” winter. However, El Niño is characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean near the equator. This change in ocean temperature can influence atmospheric conditions, leading to varied weather effects around the world.

In regions typically affected by El Niño:

1. Warmer Winters: Some areas might experience milder and warmer winters than usual.
2. Precipitation Changes: It can lead to changes in precipitation patterns, causing wetter or drier conditions in different regions.
3. Storm Patterns: The track and intensity of storms, particularly in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, can be altered.

However, these effects vary and depend on the strength of the El Niño event and other climatic factors. El Niño is just one element in the complex system that determines global weather patterns. It’s important to consult local weather forecasts for accurate, region-specific information.

Winter Canceled due to El Niño? – Why coast to coast warmth looks likely.

That information did not stop Direct Weather from posting this provocative video to their YouTube channel looking into the effects of El Niño on the North American winter for 2023/2024.

A polar vortex is a large area of low-pressure and cold air surrounding the Earth’s poles. It’s a phenomenon that exists near the poles all year round, but it becomes more defined and expands during the winter months due to the increased temperature contrast between the polar regions and the mid-latitudes (like the United States and Europe).

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

1. Structure and Behavior: The polar vortex is not a single, static storm. Instead, it’s a large, swirling pool of extremely cold air that can have multiple centers. In the Northern Hemisphere, it’s typically located over Canada and the Arctic.
2. Winter Influence: During winter, the vortex expands, sending cold air southward with the jet stream. This can result in cold snaps or prolonged periods of low temperatures in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
3. Variability: The strength and position of the polar vortex vary from year to year. When the vortex is strong and stable, it keeps the coldest air locked up in the Arctic. But when it’s weak, which can be influenced by various climatic factors like sea surface temperatures, it can split or be displaced, causing cold Arctic air to spill southward.
4. Climate Change Effects: There’s ongoing research into how climate change is impacting the polar vortex. Some studies suggest that a warming Arctic can lead to a weaker polar vortex, potentially resulting in more frequent cold outbreaks in the mid-latitudes.
5. Not a Storm: It’s important to note that the polar vortex itself is not a storm or a weather front. It’s a broader climatic feature that influences weather patterns.

The polar vortex is a key driver of winter weather in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly influencing extreme cold events. Its behavior is complex and influenced by a variety of atmospheric and oceanic conditions.

POW Ponder on Weather also calls out the very low snowpack in North America right now.

The Barker 6, a state-of-the-art, high-speed 6-person chairlift, has recently been inaugurated at Sunday River, Maine. This chairlift, one of the quickest in North America, is designed by Doppelmayr and is part of the ambitious Sunday River 2030 plan. The lift boasts innovative features like heated ergonomic seats, an automatic safety bar, and protective bubbles in the distinct Sunday River Red color, enhancing comfort and weather resistance.

The Barker 6 provides a swift and comfortable journey to Barker Mountain’s summit, connecting popular areas from White Cap to North Peak. It complements the Jordan 8, another cutting-edge lift at the resort, renowned as North America’s fastest 8-person chairlift, accessing the Oz and Jordan Bowl peaks.

Furthermore, this summer, Sunday River plans to introduce a new Doppelmayr fixed grip triple lift on Merrill Hill. This addition will pave the way for future ski trails and real estate projects, marking another significant milestone in the resort’s development.

While many heli-ski and cat ski lodges focus on expansive alpine terrain and low-angle runs, White Grizzly Cat Skiing in British Columbia’s Kootenay region offers a thrilling alternative for advanced and expert skiers seeking a challenge. “Steep trees add an exhilarating dimension to skiing,” shares Judson Wright, a seasoned guide at White Grizzly.

Navigating through trees might seem daunting, but these natural mazes transform into exhilarating playgrounds, boasting pillows, drops, and unique terrain features absent in open alpine areas. Under expert guidance, skiers can safely delve into these dynamic slopes. “The tree areas often have lower avalanche risks than their alpine counterparts,” Wright points out, adding a layer of safety to the adventure.

This treed terrain, primarily composed of well-spaced spruce and balsam fir in the Selkirk Mountains, are uniquely conducive to this style of skiing. The region enjoys 11-15 meters (36-50 feet) of snowfall annually, with the tree coverage preserving the powder from wind and sun, ensuring longer-lasting snow quality.

This season, White Grizzly introduces its ‘Steep Ski Clinics‘, tailor-made for advanced skiers eager to elevate their skills in steep, wooded areas. Expert guidance will be provided by certified ACMG professionals. The clinics are scheduled for Jan. 10-12, Jan. 17-20, and March 16-18, 2024.

Dive into the world of incredible value with our Frequent Skier Cards, your passport to winter excitement at a fraction of the cost! Gore has laid out all the perks and advantages, making it clear why these cards are a must-have for any winter sports enthusiast. Perfect for your own skiing escapades or as a unique and thoughtful gift, these cards are a limited-time offer. Hurry, as they’re only available until December 14th – don’t miss out on this opportunity for budget-friendly winter fun!

Deb Armstrong is a former alpine skier who achieved remarkable success in her career. She rose to fame after winning a gold medal in the giant slalom at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, becoming one of America’s most celebrated skiers. Armstrong, known for her exceptional skills and determination, competed in World Cup events, consistently demonstrating her prowess on the slopes. Her Olympic victory remains a highlight of her sporting career, inspiring many aspiring skiers.

But Deb has “beef” with the wide ski phenomenon. It’s not that she is against it, its just that she feel, correctly we might add, that a lot of skiers have been let astray by the wide ski trend and would be better off on narrower planks.

“Jerry of the Day” is an Instagram account renowned for its humorous and often lighthearted portrayal of skiing and snowboarding mishaps. The term “Jerry” is a colloquialism in the skiing community, typically used to describe someone who is unskilled or inexperienced on the slopes. This account curates a variety of content, from awkward falls to bizarre ski outfits, highlighting the lighter side of winter sports. It’s celebrated for its ability to bring laughter and a sense of camaraderie to the skiing and snowboarding community, as viewers from all skill levels can relate to the universal experience of making mistakes. The account’s popularity has grown significantly, making it a staple in the winter sports social media landscape.

Recently they posted footage of skiers and snowboarders stuck in deep snow with the title the battle of Jerryburg. Good Stuff.