Jackson Hole Avalanche/Backcountry

This report is updated daily at 8:00 a.m. In rapidly changing conditions, go to JHAvalanche.org to get the latest, most up-to-date avalanche and backcountry forcast. The following is the Teton Area report. JHAvalanche also includes reports on Continental Divide Trails/Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails/Grey's River Area.

Bridger Teton Avalanche/Backcountry Report

Date : Sat February 04, 2012 6:03 AM

General Avalanche Hazard :

Morning Afternoon

High Elevations (9,000' - 10,500')

Mid Elevations (7,500' - 9,000')

Low Elevations (6,000' - 7,500')

Past 24 Hours :
At 10,400' Elevation : 5 AM Temp: 9º F
Max Temp: 21º F
Avg Wind Direction: East-Northeasterly
Avg. Wind Speed: 12
Max Wind Gust: 31

Location
Snowfall/Prec.
Total Snow Depth
Total Snowfall
At 9,300' Elevation (Raymer Plot)
0"/ 0.00"
73"
200"
At 9,580' Elevation (Rendezvous Bowl Plot)
0"/ 0.00"
73"
200"
At 8,800' Elevation (Chief Joseph Plot)
0"/ 0.00"
72"
208"

Mountain Forecast :
Clear skies above areas of patchy morning fog.
Temperature Forecast for 8,000´-9,000´ : Rising into the mid to upper 20s.
Ridge Top Wind Forecast for 10,000´ : East at 4 to 8 miles per hour.
Snowfall Expected Next 24 Hours : 0"

Mountain Three Day Forecast :

General Avalanche Advisory : Yesterday a fresh natural hard slab avalanche with a five foot crown was observed on a southeast aspect of Mt. Taylor near the Coal Creek/Mesquite Creek Divide. This is the only new avalanche activity that we are aware of in the backcountry since last weekend. At the mid and upper elevations deep hard slabs up to five feet in depth present a serious threat to humans who venture into avalanche paths that did not slide during the past storm cycle. These slabs could be human triggered, especially by larger triggers such as snow machines. These slabs are problematic because in some areas they are stable, in other areas they may be crossed multiple times before a weak spot is hit causing the slab to slide and in other areas they could be remotely triggered by the weight of a single person. As the day progresses warm temperatures and abundant sunshine will increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers. People tend to take greater risks when the skies are clear. Conservation terrain choices and restraint are essential as the consequences of triggering a deep hard slab could be fatal.

For further information call the Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Line at : 307-733-2664
Call 307-739-2759 to report any observed avalanche activity.

Condition Key

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 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.