Avalanche danger goes up
Caution to snowmobilers and backcountry recreationists
February 6, 2007
Recent unseasonably warm temperatures and forecasted highs are expected to rapidly warm and weaken snow today in the Continental Divide Trails/Togwotee Pass, Grey’s River and Teton areas, according to the Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center in Jackson. Surface layers of snow rest on a very weak base of loose, faceted snow which has the potential to release full depth slides as the day progresses. Snowmobilers are cautioned not to ride on steep slopes this afternoon and stay away from ravines, road cuts and avalanche run-out areas.
G E N E R A L - A V A L A N C H E - A D V I S O R IES
Continental Divide Trails/Togwotee Pass:
The General Avalanche Hazard is CONSIDERABLE.
Unseasonably warm recent temperatures and forecasted highs will rapidly warm and weaken the snow today. The surface layer of supporting snow that rests on a very weak base of loose, faceted snow will soften and the possibility of natural or rider released full depth slides will increase. Don't ride on steep slopes this afternoon and stay away from ravines, road cuts and avalanche run-out areas.
Southwest Trails/Grey's River Area:
The General Avalanche Hazard is CONSIDERABLE.
Unseasonably warm recent temperatures and forecasted highs will rapidly warm and weaken the snow today. The surface layer of supporting snow that rests on a very weak base of loose, faceted snow will soften and the possibility of natural or rider released full depth slides will increase. Don't ride on steep slopes this afternoon and stay away from ravines, road cuts and avalanche run-out areas.
Teton Area
The General Avalanche Hazard is LOW at all elevations this morning and will increase to CONSIDERABLE by afternoon.
Unseasonably warm temperatures and forecasted highs in the upper thirties at all elevations will rapidly warm the snowpack. Natural and human triggered wet, loose slides are possible on southern exposures. At Low elevations the snowpack is already weak due to heavy faceting and slides to the ground are possible on a variety of aspects. Avoid southerly slopes after noon today and stay clear of run-out zones below avalanche terrain.
Avalanche Rating Definitions:
High: Mostly unstable snow exists on a variety of aspects and slope angles.
Natural avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is 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.
M O U N T A I N - W E A T H E R – February 6, 2007:
Total Snow Depth 9,300' Elevation Brooks Lake Lodge: 36"
Total Snowfall Starting October 1 Brooks Lake Lodge: 110"
Total Snow Depth 8,700´ Elevation Togwotee Mountain Lodge: 40"
Total Snowfall Starting October 1 Togwotee Mountain Lodge: 121"
Total Snow Depth 9,300' Elevation Blind Bull Meadow: 54""
Total Snowfall Starting October 1 Blind Bull Meadow: 148"
Snowfall/Prec. Past 24 Hours Box Y Ranch: 0"/0"
Total Snow Depth 6,300' Elevation Box Y Ranch: 34"
Total Snowfall Starting October 1 Box Y Ranch: 81"
Snowfall/Prec. Past 24 Hours Raymer Study Plot: 0"/0"
Total Snow Depth 9,300' Elevation Raymer Study Plot: 57"
Total Snowfall Starting October 1 Raymer Study Plot: 197"
Related Links:
Bridger-Teton National Forest Backcountry Avalanche Hazard and Weather Forecast
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