JACKSON, Wyo. — Heads up, backcountry enthusiasts: newly fallen snow is expected to create very dangerous avalanche conditions in the Tetons by this afternoon, according to the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center (BTAC).
BTAC forecasts considerable avy danger above 6,000 feet and high danger above 7,500 feet amid the current snowstorm.
“Rapid loading of new snow and wind will add stress to buried weak layers formed during the month-long dry period in January,” BTAC’s Alex Drinkard wrote in the Tetons’ forecast for Tuesday. “Previous slab depths have been 2-3 feet and could increase to 3-4 feet deep today based on the amount of snow that falls. The most dangerous terrain will be on N-NE aspects above 8,000′ where we have seen the most avalanche activity.”
Drinkard also shared that a “very large skier-triggered avalanche” was observed near Phillips Pass on Saturday, Feb. 21, among other recent slides.
“Most of the recent persistent slab avalanches have occurred on the west and south side of the Tetons,” the forecast reads. “Weak layers are better preserved and more widespread in these areas.”
Winter weather warnings are in effect in western Wyoming until 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Be vigilant out there, everyone.
