Avalanche danger raised to considerable
By Sarah Hale on Dec 15, 2008 in Featured
The Bridger-Teton National Forest Backcountry Avalanche Hazard and Weather Forecast issued a general avalanche advisory report on Monday, Dec. 15 for the Greys River area. The avalanche danger was listed by the BTNF as considerable.
According to the advisory report, the general avalanche hazard is considerable at upper elevations (9,000 to 10,500 feet), moderate at mid elevations (7,500 to 9,000 feet) and low below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
“At mid and upper elevations soft surface slabs up to two feet in depth lie upon slick sliding surfaces and are expected to be quite sensitive to human triggers,” the report stated. “Careful route selection and good travel habits are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.”
Avalanche advisories are given on a five level scale. That scale includes extreme, high, considerate, moderate and low.
Extreme danger advisories are given when wide spread areas of unstable snow exist and avalanches are certain on some slopes. Backcountry travel should be avoided when avalanche danger is listed as extreme.
High avalanche danger advisories are posted when mostly unstable snow exists on a variety of aspects and slope angles. Natural avalanches are likely when the danger is listed as high and travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
A considerable danger rank is given when dangerous unstable slabs exist on steep terrain and human triggered avalanches are probable. Natural avalanches are also a possibility when a considerable danger advisory is in place.
Moderate danger is posted when areas of the backcountry have unstable snow and human triggered avalanches are possible. However, larger triggers may be needed to result in an avalanche.
A low avalanche danger advisory is posted when backcountry snow is mostly stable. Avalanches are unlikely to occur when a low advisory is given. However, isolated avalanches may take place in isolated pockets.
To report an avalanche observation call 307-739-2607 or email avalanche@jacksonhole.com.
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