Jackson Hole is under another avalanche warning. Here it is.
AN AVALANCHE WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED BY THE BRIDGER-TETON NATIONAL FOREST FOR THE MOUNTAINOUS AREAS OF WESTERN WYOMING INCLUDING JACKSON HOLE AND STAR VALLEY………… SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT provided by the Teton County Sheriff’s Department During these times of significant avalanche danger, the Sheriff’s Office and Search and rescue would like to remind you that backcountry rescues may be significantly delayed or not possible………… What does this mean to you?……… 1. A simple broken leg on Teton Pass could mean hours of delay until Search and Rescue can access you with reasonable safety………… 2. If you are caught in an avalanche in the backcountry of Teton County, a recovery may not occur until conditions warrant…………. At the mid and upper elevation dense new surface slabs lie upon dangerous deep hard slabs. In the past 24 hours about a foot of new snow with about an inch of new moisture and strong winds have added more load to a snowpack with persistent deep instabilities. Warming temperatures will increase the sensitivity of these slabs to failure. Large destructive hard slabs up to six feet in depth and dangerous dense surface slabs up to two feet in depth could release naturally or be human triggered today. Full track events are possible. At the lower elevations above freezing temperatures and rain are likely to cause roof slides and initiate natural avalanche activity on a variety of slopes, banks and roadcuts. TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
Jackson Hole Avalanche hits restaurant the top of the gondola. The avalanche which released from the headwall at approximately 9:15 am and hit Coulior restaurant. Apparently there were only workers and patrollers in the area at the time. No confirmed injuries or fatalities. It was also reported that Laramie bowl, Cheyenne Bowl, and the headwall all had major avalanches this morning. I will update the blog as information is available.
It is also reported that the Coulior restaurant received extensive damage and is possibly closed for the season. The avalanche was of large scale. There are no reports of the Bridger gondola receiving any avalanche damage.
The ski patrolmen Mike Werner was hit by a picnic table as it went by. No indication to his injuries. The avalanche was thought to have released naturally, though the patrol had done control work on the headwall prior to the avalanche occurring.
Our hats off to the ski patrol this year!
The avalanche that killed a Jackson hole resident, Dave Nodine, within the boundaries of Jackson Hole Mountain resort mid-day Saturday, December 27th is a sad reminder to all skiers that our snow pack is unfortunately unstable. Though the details have been scattered and inconsistent from multiple sources it is certain that the snow pack in the Bridger Tetons is scary this year. Jackson Hole mountain resort has now joined the ranks of ski areas with inbounds fatalities in December of 2008 and I would not expect these to be the last avalanche events of the 2008-2009 ski season. I am not going to comment on the incedent details as I do not know exactly what happened. What I do want to get out there is the reason it happened and why everybody needs to take additional precautions while skiing in avalanche terrain this year.
The summary:
: North - North East facing, approximate elevation 8600 feet. Slab crown of 4-6 feet of new snow deposited from the storms that started December 19th and continued through Christmas eve. Fracture went down to the November 9th rain ice layer that has persisted through the fall due to freezing temperatures at higher elevations (above 7700ft on north facing and higher elevations on south facing aspects) The general area was controlled by Jackson Hole ski patrol using explosives earlier in the day. The deposition was said to be up to 10 feet deep in places. The area has sections of granite rock slab varying in incline from 30 to 45 degrees. The ambient temperature was on the rise from a low of -9 f early in the morning to approx. +12 f mid day. Another avalanche was reported in the Alta 2 area, at a similar aspect and elevation at approximately the same time.
The skiing in the area could be categorized as “upside down snow” with heavier wind effected snow on the surface and lighter less dense snow deeper in the snowpack. This creates a perfect catalyst for an avalanche to occur.
I do want to make it clear that this is not an isolated incident. I expect to see avalanches here on a consistent basis until this snowpack sees some serious form of stabilization. There are many THEORIES on what it will require for this stabilization to happen. My opinion is only time will tell. For now - be overly cautious, do not travel in known avalanche paths, slopes and areas that have traditionally been stable safezones in the past are likely not safe now.
Lastly, Our condolences go out to Mr. Nodines family and friends. I truly hope that your loss is not in vain and that it can make other backcountry travelers and skiers think about their surroundings and avoid being injured or killed. I would also like to thank the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ski patrol for their hard work, under extreme pressure and danger to open our amazing ski hill. This is of no fault of theirs. To all skiers - This is an abnormal snowpack that we have been given this year - please respect it and stay safe!
You just found yourself here - I am not going to waste your time. You will get actual current ski and weather reports and images from me - Rick Armstrong - A long time professional skier.
To catch this up to date. We have had one of the most amazing ski seasons in my 19 years here in Jackson. As of Feb. 14th we have had over 408 inches of snow. The over temperatures have remained cold (until this week) keeping the snow in pristine condition. Jackson Hole Mountain resort has rarely skied this well. I have had over 40!!!!!! Powder days this season. I am very lucky to be able to base my businessout of Teton Village in the winter allowing me to get out almost every morning. If you want the skinny just give me a call.
Valentines Day skiing in Jackson Hole -
Expect Packed Powder in bounds and Powder at higher elevations in the back country. We received about 7 inches of light density snow yesterday. The wind is currently ripping with gusts to 65mph from the north - northwest - cold! Temps expected to drop to 10 below tonight.
G E N - A V A L A N C H E - H A Z A R Ds
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| High Elevation (9,001´-10,501´) |
A.M. MODERATE |
P.M. MODERATE |
| Mid Elevation (7,501´-9,001´) |
A.M. MODERATE |
P.M. MODERATE |
| Low Elevation (6,000´-7,500´) |
A.M. LOW |
P.M. LOW |
| Extreme: Wide spread areas of unstable snow exist and avalanches are certain on some slopes. Backcountry travel should be avoided. |
| High: Mostly unstable snow exists on a variety of aspects and slope angles. Natural avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended. |
| Considerable: Dangerous unstable slabs exist on steep terrain on certain aspects. Human triggered avalanches probable. Natural avalanches possible. |
| Moderate: Areas of unstable snow exist. Human triggered avalanches are possible. Larger triggers may be necessary as the snowpack becomes more stable. Use caution. |
| Low: Mostly stable snow exists. Avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. |
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