JACKSON, Wyo. — A snowmobiler in the Salt River Range was caught in an avalanche yesterday, Jan. 9. He was snowmobiling on a northeast-facing aspect at around 9,500 ft.
He reported the avalanche to the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center. According to the report, the rider was hill climbing near the flank of Mount Wagner at around 12:45 p.m., when the avalanche broke basically underneath of him. He was able to deploy his airbag, which brought him to the surface. The slab was three feet deep.
Bridger Teton Avalanche Center warns that persistent slab avalanches continue to be a threat. Large to very large persistent slabs could be human triggered today, especially as the day continues to warm with temperatures in the mountains nearing 20 degrees. Aspects impacted by the sun could be especially dangerous. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles or groups of people, are more likely to impact the underlying faceted weak layers.
The avalanche danger today, Jan. 10, is considerable in both mid to high elevations, and moderate below 7,500 ft. At lower elevations, the weak faceted layers are closer to the surface, one to two-foot slides may be triggered. At higher elevations, slabs could be two to four feet deep. Previous tracks should not be a sign of stability.
Here are more details about today’s snow and weather report.
