JACKSON, Wyo. — Bridger- Teton Avalanche Center (BTAC) is warning that the afternoon direct sunlight will be the main contributing factor in the avalanche danger increasing from low to moderate in the Teton forecast area this afternoon, March 6.
According to BTAC it will be possible for skiers and riders to trigger wet snow avalanches up to 4 feet in depth. These slides typically release slowly, but the debris can be entraining and destructive.
Yesterday March 5, there were two reported avalanches observed in the area. Near the canyon exit in No Name Canyon, a naturally triggered wet slab avalanche was observed on the south-facing aspect. The observer could not see the starting zone. The slope angle is thought to be 36-40 degrees at an elevation of 7,823 feet.
The other avalanche was snowmobile triggered above the North Ditch Creek zone. According to the snowmobiler who reported the slide, their “riding partner intentionally cut a high line on a steep southeast facing face right under the summit. A soft wet slow-moving slab and slid about 50′. The more interesting part is that about 40′ from his line, another small wet slow-moving slab slid to the ground and ran about 30′.” The slope angle is about 41-45 degrees at an elevation of 8,637 feet.
“It was alarming how fast the snowpack warmed up and how deep it slid.”
