Bollettino valanghe

Snake River Range

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Tue
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 7 months ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

The avalanche danger will increase throughout the day. New snow and wind will form soft slabs up to a foot deep above 9000 feet with natural avalanches likely. You will likely trigger avalanches on steep wind drifted slopes where unstable snow will be sensitive to the weight of a rider. Drifting snow and shooting cracks are indicators of unstable snow. Make conservative decisions around steep slopes once storm totals start adding up.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Likely
    Dimensione
    1–2

    Snow began to fall early this morning in the mountains. Up to 6 inches of snow is forecast to fall in the Snake River Range throughout the day at upper elevations with strong westerly winds and gusts up to 40 mph. If we receive forecasted amounts of snow, wind slabs will grow and could reach depths over a foot by tonight above 9000 feet. These soft slabs will be sitting on a variety of surfaces, including crusts on southerly slopes, faceted weak now on shady protected slopes, and windboard up high. Buried faceted snow will increase triggering sensitivity in new snow and could contribute to greater entrained snow. Watch for slab formation below ridgelines, around cliffs, and in steep gullies. If you find obvious clues like recent avalanches, actively blowing snow, and thick pillows, move to lower angle slopes.

    In areas unaffected by the wind, keep track of storm totals. Storm slab avalanches could be possible late in the day on steep slopes above 7500 feet with enough accumulation. These slabs could break farther and wider than expected where they are sitting on buried facets. If you see shooting cracks, choose lower angle slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

Keep it simple today. We have high forecasted amounts of snow, strong westerly winds, and potentially weak interfaces. It's a tasty recipe for avalanches. There are 2 variables on my wind today:

  1. Storm Accumulation Totals. Keep track of how much snow is falling throughout the day. If storm totals come in at the high range by his evening, we could get up to 8 inches. Winds look to taper some, but wind slabs will be sensitive and potentially grow to depths of 16 inches. Middle elevation snow totals will play a big role in whether or not a storm slab problem will show up. If we get more than 6 inches, start thinking about avalanches on steep, wind protected slopes.
  2. Interface Bonding. Warm temperatures this morning should help new snow bond with surfaces. That said, several different surfaces have been left over from the month of high pressure. I’m most concerned with shady slopes where near surface facets are getting buried. Until we get a handle on the sensitivity and likelihood of triggering on different aspects and elevations, use caution around steep slopes today once snow accumulation starts adding up.

Shifting out of a low avalanche hazard mindset from the last month into assessment mode might take some effort. Dig around and see how new snow is bonding and monitor snow totals. Continue to travel one at a time, keep an eye on your partners and enjoy the powder this afternoon.

Regioni coperte