JACKSON, Wyo. – Keeping Jackson Hole roads and ski slopes safe and open has been an ongoing community effort for many decades. For instance, many don’t know that in 1969 WYDOT began construction on an avalanche bridge designed to allow Glory Bowl avalanches to run under it on Teton Pass. Unfortunately, on January 22, 1970 an unusually large avalanche near Crater Lake damaged the structure. After re-assessing the snow bridge, WYDOT shelved the project in favor of rebuilding the road.
Join History Jackson Hole and the Bridger Teton Avalanche Center (BTAC) Foundation on Thursday, Sept. 17 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for a Beers & Banter panel on the history of avalanche forecasting and mitigation in Jackson Hole.
This local history program will feature guest panelists including Bob Comey (former BTAC Director), Drew Kneeland (Ski Patrol Director at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort), Don Lawless (WYDOT Avalanche Supervisor), and Larry Livingood (former BTNF avalanche forecaster and JHMR military weapons specialist). The evening will start with a brief history of avalanche programs from WYDOT, BTAC, and JHMR Ski Patrol, followed by a speaking panel moderated by Liz King, Executive Director of the BTAC Foundation.
The event is free and open to the public with limited seating on the History Museum’s outside Deck (weather permitting). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Beverages, including non-alcoholic, are available for suggested donation.
Many thanks to event co-presenter BTAC Foundation and sponsors Roadhouse Brewing Co. and Wyoming Humanities.
For more information, visit jacksonholehistory.org or call (307) 733-2414.
