JACKSON, Wyo. — According to the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center (BTAC), avalanche danger is “considerable” in the Tetons today, Jan. 2, after new snow and wind have formed slabs up to 2 feet in wind-loaded areas.
Backcountry users are encouraged to exercise caution around steep, rocky, northerly slopes, where weak layers buried three to four feet deep need time to adjust to the new snow, the BTAC writes. Keep an eye out for cracking and collapsing, which the BTAC says are sure signs of unstable snow; however, deeper weak layers might not show signs of instability until the slope avalanches.
But even when when the BTAC lowers avalanche danger from “considerable” to “moderate,” like it did on Wednesday, Jan. 1, the BTAC still warns skiers and snowboarders that triggering large avalanches capable of causing injury, burial or death is still possible.
The BTAC also reminds everyone that tracks from previous backcountry users are not always a sign of stable snow.
“Avalanches remain possible after multiple people ride a slope,” the BTAC writes.
Avalanche danger is “considerable” on Togwotee Pass, and “high” from 9,000 to 10,500 feet in the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges and the Snake River Range.
The BTAC has also updated their report of a rider being buried in an avalanche on Dec. 31, now reporting that four riders were buried, two fully. While no one was killed, one rider was buried over four feet deep.
