JACKSON, Wyo. — Fluctuating winter weather has led to heightened avalanche danger today, according to the Tuesday morning forecast by the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center (BTAC).
BTAC advises that avalanche danger is considered high above 9,000 feet, and considerable above 7,500 feet. Over the past week, 20 avalanches were reported in the backcountry, the agency said.
“Natural avalanches will become likely this afternoon and tonight as new and wind-driven snow overload a weak snowpack,” Tuesday’s forecast reads. “Be very cautious near any wind-loaded slopes above 8,500’ today and expect to trigger large avalanches that can fail above, beside as well as below you. Slabs will become touchy and up to three feet or more deep in wind loaded areas while the shallow, early-season snowpack will make any ride painful or worse. Avoid being on or under avalanche terrain as the snow begins to pile up today.”
BTAC noted that a winter storm warning is in effect through Wednesday evening, so watch for wind gusts up to 50 mph and snowfall rates of up to an inch per hour in the Tetons. Warmer temperatures might turn mountain snow to rain on the valley floor.
“Several weak layers formed during the periods of drought in November,” BTAC’s forecast reads. “These layers were beginning to adjust to the new snow load but will be reactivated again today. Expect avalanches to involve all of the snow down to the thick crust formed just before Thanksgiving. Avalanches will run faster and farther on this crust where it is continuous.”
