Avalanche Danger Considerable
Five die in avalanches over weekend in Montana and Idaho
February 19, 2007
Two snowmobilers were killed in an avalanche in Montana’s Big Belt Mountains on Saturday. In Utah, two snowmobilers were killed in separate avalanches. Also in Utah, a 17-year-old skier was killed near Snowbasin Ski Resort on Sunday after he was caught in a slide while skiing out of bounds of the ski area.
The Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center does not recommend backcountry travel in avalanche terrain or run out zones in the Southwest Trails/Greys River area today due to a HIGH General Avalanche Hazard. The hazard is MODERATE in the Continental Divide Trails/Togwotee Pass area and CONSIDERABLE in the Teton Pass area today (Monday, February 19).
New, unstable snow exists on higher elevation. As the day warms, avalanche danger will rise and could be triggered by skiers or snowmobilers. Up to 6 inches of heavy, new snow have created easily triggered soft slabs to a foot in depth in areas. Below the new snow are slabs of two feet in depth from past weeks, all sitting on weak, faceted snow on sun and melt-freeze crusts. Avalanches may be triggered in steep areas below ridges
Skiers and snowmobilers triggered slides in the western Wyoming area over the weekend, but no one was reported injured or killed.
Backcountry recreationists are encouraged to use good route finding skills or ski or ride in the trees. The hazard is Low where snowpack is thin and less snow has fallen. The Avalanche Center advises snowmobilers and backcountry skiers to carry avalanche probes, shovels and transceivers and practice in their use if traveling in avalanche country.
For further information call 307-739-0674. To report an avalanche observation, call 307-739-2607 or email the BTNF Avalanche Center at avalanche@jacksonhole.com.
Related Links:
Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center
Wyoming SNOTELS Snow depth information
Western Wyoming Road Condition Report WY Dept of Transportation (WYDOT)
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