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!
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