Recent Landslides Have Dramatically Changed Terrain at Bridger Bowl

For our geology buffs, landslides are similar to avalanches (minus, of course, the presence of snow), in that they're classified as a mass movement of material such as rock or debris down a slope. Also similarly to avalanches, landslides are caused by a force of gravity exceeding the resisting forces of the slope.

In this case, the acting force was rain saturation, which adds weight to a slope, lowers the strength of the bedrock, and reduces friction, which makes it easier for large quantities of material to move down the slope.

Think of rain water, in this case, as a weak layer under a storm slab. Something triggers the slab, and the reduced friction due to change in crystal shape allows bonded snow to slide across the surface more easily into an avalanche. However, unlike avalanches, landslides can happen both suddenly, or slowly over long periods of time. 

Bridger Bowl advises visitors to use caution while recreating at the ski area, as unstable terrain could trigger further rockslides. The mountain will soon address other issues caused by the storm and promises to update guests as they assess the situation and determine the next steps.

The mountain's post also noted that the affects of climate change have increased the risk of landslides in the area due to increased and changing precipitation, stronger storms, altered snowpack, wildfires, and general warming.

The post reminds people that these things can be mitigated by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and encourages people to stay safe, work together, and take action to do so.