JACKSON, Wyo. — Avalanche warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) and Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center (BTAC) and is in effect until Sunday, March 3, at midnight.
According to NWS, heavy snowfall and strong winds will create dangerous avalanche conditions. “Roof slides, and separate non- avalanche hazards like tree wells and snow immersion, are also likely.”
The avalanche danger is rated high at elevations above 7,500 in the Teton Range, Greys River and Togwotee Pass areas according to today’s avalanche forecast from Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center. “Human-triggered avalanches are very likely; travel in or below avalanche terrain is not recommended today,” the report states.
According to the report, intense snowfall and wind have created slabs that will be large and easy to trigger within the new snow. Windblown slopes will be most dangerous, but triggering a slide on sheltered slopes breaking 1-2+ feet deep is very possible. The NWS states, “Avalanches could run onto low angle terrain, hitting paths, roads or groomed snowmobile trails.”
The Tetons received 18-30 inches of snow in the last 24 hours combined with high winds, averaging 20 mph with gusts up to 69 mph. Togwotee Pass received 22 inches and 10-13 inches in the Greys.
Continued snowfall and wind is expected today with another 6-12 inches of snow and average winds between 10-20 mph range, gusting into the 40s and 50s mph from the south/southwest. “If entering the backcountry today, prepare for burly blizzard and hazardous avalanche conditions,” BTAC states.
Check the full avalanche forecast for the Tetons, Togwotee and Grey’s River range, released daily by the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center here.
