JACKSON, Wyo. — While over half the state of Wyoming is under a red flag warning with high-risk fire weather like strong winds and low humidity, there is a hazardous weather outlook for the Jackson Hole area, and avalanche danger is expected to be “considerable” by this afternoon.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting record high temperatures for most locations in Northwest Wyoming today going into tonight. According to the hazardous weather outlook, gusty winds and low humidity are expected, and dry fuels will bring elevated fire weather. Friday and Saturday are expected to bring “all-time record high March temperatures,” with critical fire weather continuing across most of the area.
Warm weather and strong sun rays will play a role in the backcountry avalanche risk as well. Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center (BTAC) forecasts a rise to “considerable” avalanche conditions above 7,500 feet as the day progresses. BTAC includes all area mountains in the forecast, including the Tetons, Salt River and Wyoming ranges, Togwotee Pass and the Snake River Range.
“Wet snow avalanches will become likely in steep, sunny terrain and could be large enough to bury you,” the morning’s forecast reads. “Monitor thawing crusts and watch for slushy or wet snow surfaces that indicate unstable snow. Minimize time spent under large sunny slopes or looming cornices warming in the sun, and exit the mountains early. Avalanches could be unpredictable, break wider than expected, and entrain large amounts of snow.”
