Lawinenlagebericht

Tetons

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Tue
Hochgebirge
1 · Gering
Waldgrenze
1 · Gering
Unterhalb
Keine Stufe
Open full map
Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 3 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Happy New Year, the avalanche danger is low. Triggering an avalanche 1-3 feet deep is unlikely, but not impossible. Very steep terrain in the upper elevations that faces north is the most likely place to find unstable snow.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Unlikely
    Größe
    1–2

    Avalanches involving weak snow buried 1-3 feet deep are unlikely, but cannot be ruled out entirely. Very steep terrain on the north half of the compass that is punctuated by rocks and cliff bands are the most likely places to find this problem. Additionally, upper elevation slopes that have been wind affected contain shallow areas where humans could disturb the November weak layer. Being caught and carried in an avalanche, even a small one, could result in serious injury due to numerous rocks and trees lurking in most runouts. 

    Two days ago (12/30), a snowmobile triggered avalanche was reported near Gunsight Pass in the Greys River forecast zone. This event illustrates the current possibility of unstable snow on isolated features and highlights the need to remain vigilant during periods of low danger.

    Here is a good example of the terrain where triggering a persistent slab is most likely.  Photo taken south of Teton Pass on 12/21.

Avalanche Discussion

It has been three weeks since the last significant loading event in the Tetons. As a result, the snowpack in its current state is mostly stable. This is most evident by a noticeable lack of avalanche activity despite skiers and riders pushing further into avalanche terrain. Don’t mistake this quiet period for widespread healing of the weak snow formed in November. Overall, the snowpack structure remains poor with a slab overlaying weak snow. Low danger does not mean no danger. Continue to practice safe backcountry travel habits by only exposing one person at a time, using islands of safety, and watching your partners closely. It is wise to fight complacency and continue to assess the snowpack before committing to consequential terrain. 

As the extended dry period continues into the New Year, it is a good idea to take note of the character and distribution of the current snow surfaces as they could be responsible for future avalanches when snow returns to the forecast area. Most south facing slopes have developed a stout crust while exposed north facing slopes have been scoured by the wind. Sheltered slopes that have been spared the sun and wind harbor weak snow in the form of near surface facets and surface hoar.

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