February 10 Update: We welcomed the return of winter over the past few days. Bridger Bowl reported around 10 inches of accumulated snow and Showdown reported 16 inches with similar reports coming from around the region, including Cooke City.
The Snow Water Equivalent for the Upper Yellowstone Basin remains above 110% thanks to persistent high-country snowpack (see chart below.) For up-to-date avalanche conditions, please reference the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center.
There are signs of another storm coming next week! As always, please stop by the shop or give us a call if you're looking for updates and ideas for winter adventure.
Over the past week, various members of our staff have skied Bridger Bowl, Showdown, Big Sky, and in the backcountry. With no new snow recently, conditions are less than ideal, although the groomed runs are holding up well. With that said, not skiing isn’t really an option; it’s part of our fabric, so off we go.
The Nordic skiing continues to be good at Jardine, Silver Crest, at the Rendezvous Ski Trails, and near Cooke City. Have you heard...snow in the forecast this coming week?!? We’re going to temper our enthusiasm, stay optimistic, and be grateful for anything that Ullr sends our way.
With the well-above normal temperatures, we’ve also been hiking and fishing. For hiking, virtually all trails at lower elevations, like Suce Creek, Pine Creek (up to the falls,) George Lake, Big Creek, West Boulder, and Cutler Lake, are worth exploring. We keep getting asked, “Should I be concerned about bears and carry my bear spray?” Answer: if it makes you feel better, go ahead and carry it. There was a grizzly out in Yellowstone Park briefly last week, but that’s the only report of a bear that we’re aware of.
Folks who are out on the water are catching fish. If you’re inclined, fish during the warmest part of the day from noon to 3 p.m. when fish are most active. There’s been a strong midge hatch bringing a good number of fish to the surface. Backwaters and foam pockets are where the best action can be found. Fish a size 18 Griffith’s Gnat, Parachute Adams, or H & L Variant for this hatch. The most reliable fishing, however, is in the deepest runs with a double nymph rig. There’s no holy grail pattern, just fish your favorite bead head patterns, deep and slow, or trail one behind a streamer slowly.
Contemplating some new gear? Come see us for the best gear around and the latest trail or fishing beta.
