JACKSON, Wyo. — Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center (BT Avy) has increased the avalanche danger to high at upper elevations in the Teton forecast area.
Two days of significant loading have created very dangerous avalanche conditions, therefore travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
“The avalanche danger is high today in all 3 forecast areas. Significant snowfall over the last 3 days have created very dangerous conditions,” said BT Avy this morning. “More snow and high winds are on tap for today.”
As snow continues to fall, avalanche danger will also increase to high at mid-elevations this afternoon.
Natural activity is likely in the upper elevations all day as well as in the mid-elevations in the afternoon. Large avalanches in the upper elevations have the potential to travel into the mid-elevations. Wind slabs, deep persistent slabs and loose snow avalanches are all on the list for potential problems today.
BT Avy warns travelers to be aware not only of the terrain they are traveling but what sits above them. In the lower elevations expect newly formed slabs to build in steep isolated areas and be easy to trigger.
Earlier this morning Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, delayed some lift openings as ski patrol conducted avalanche mitigation. At 12:00 p.m. they announced that the Aerial Tram, Sublette and Thunder lifts are closed due to avalanche hazard and inclement weather.
Additionally, The Wyoming Department of Transportation will close WY 22/Teton Pass today, Jan. 6, at noon for avalanche mitigation. U.S. Highway 191/189 at Hoback Canyon will be closed at 6 p.m. today, also for avalanche mitigation. Closures could occur earlier if weather conditions or avalanche danger worsens.
To read more about today’s avalanche danger click here.
