JACKSON, Wyo. — On Monday, Feb. 3, the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center (BTAC) announced an avalanche warning is in effect for the Tetons, Salt River and Wyoming Ranges, Snake River Range and Togwotee Pass.
According to the BTAC, “heavy snow and strong wind have created very dangerous avalanche conditions in the mountains.” Slabs ranging from one to three feet in depth will be reactive to the weight of a skier or snowmobile, the BTAC writes for the Tetons. Natural avalanches are possible in wind loaded mid/upper elevation terrain and low elevation terrain where the snowpack is saturated from rain.
“Traveling in, near or under avalanche terrain is not recommended today,” the BTAC writes.
BTAC Forecaster Alex Drinkard says in a Snow and Safety Report from Friday, Jan. 31, that the dry period during the past couple of weeks developed weak layers on slopes that will now experience a period of rapid snowfall.
“What we’re going to see is an increase in avalanche danger,” Drinkard says. “What’s happening is we’re going to get a lot of snow rapidly and it’s all falling on a weak bonding surface.”
Drinkard confirms the snow will be very reactive to backcountry recreationists.
Just yesterday, Feb. 2, Fall Creek Road saw multiple avalanches below Teton Pass.
