GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK — Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) is warning visitors to be aware that icicles have started forming on park buildings and to not stand directly underneath them.
According to GTNP, the right conditions for icicles includes a roof with snow on it, below freezing temperatures and sunshine. The melted snow or ice will start to drip over the side of the roof, and the sudden exposure to the cold temperatures will freeze it in its tracks. When snow or ice continues to drip over the edge, it will coat the frozen icicle in layers of water that begins to form the cone shape.
The transfer of heat energy and water impurities is what contributes to the unique individual icicle shape.
The Air Force Safety Center (AFSC) also warns of icicle injury. While icicles are rarely sharp or large enough to impale a person, they can still cause bruises, cuts and broken bones when they fall. The AFSC confirms about 15 people are killed by icicles annually in the U.S.
The GTNP road is closed to non-motorized vehicles from Nov. 1 until April 30 from the Taggart Lake Trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge.
