JACKSON, Wyo. — According to the most recent Teton Backcountry Alliance (TBCA) Snow and Safety Report with Jed Porter, skiers and snowboarders should consider the three C’s – crowds, crust and cold – even though the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center (BTAC) has lowered avalanche danger to “low” in the Tetons.
Porter is both a ski guide and writer. According to him, recreationists should be mindful of crowds coming off the holiday weekend and full parking lots; using the Teton Pass shuttle can help alleviate the congestion.
Those headed into the backcountry should also pay attention to varied surfaces and what they mean for the next few weeks, Porter says. After closing out a high pressure system, there are crusts, facets (persistent weak layers) and surface hoar with varying amounts of new snow.
Lastly, the extremely low temperatures are something to keep in mind when preparing to spend time outdoors and away from available heat sources.
“It’s looking arctic,” Porter writes. “How well equipped are you?”
BTAC reports that avalanche conditions in the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges and Snake River Range are “moderate” between 7,500 and 10,500 feet, and “moderate” between 9,000 and 10,500 on Togwotee Pass.
