JACKSON, Wyo. — The Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center (BTAC) has lowered avalanche danger to “moderate” in the Tetons, but still warns recreationists that it is possible to trigger large avalanches.
BTAC recommends those in the backcountry identify wind-loaded terrain, as large avalanches are likely in these areas.
“Large wind slab avalanches occurred naturally two nights ago, failing on weak layers buried beneath the recent snow,” BTAC writes.
Recreationists should look for signs of stiffened or hollow sounding snow, large drifts and textured or cracking snow surfaces to identify wind loaded slopes.
Frank Carus, director of the BTAC, says in his first report of the 2024/2025 snow season that going forward he anticipates a much “less touchy,” or sensitive, snowpack. According to Carus, the coming warm days are going to help get the snow to settle.
However, Carus also notes that heavy winds have made it so that west and south-facing slopes have become more “dust on crust,” making north and northeast-facing slopes the best for skiing currently. The issue, Carus says, is that those east and northeast-facing slopes are “where we’ve had our biggest problems and the majority of our avalanche activity, and certainly have a lot of weak snow hiding still.”
Carus warns recreationists that there is still concern for weak layers on those faces, and encourages everyone going out into the backcountry to continue to be cautious. He recommends keeping eyes peeled for windslabs at lower and mid elevations.
Carus also emphasizes that seeing other people’s tracks does not mean conditions are safe. Everyone should make their own assessments and not assume that if someone else has skied an area there is no danger.
