Avalanche Conditions Serious

The winter weather that swept into Jackson Hole yesterday not only snarled traffic, causing a host of slide-offs and fender-benders, but it also set up very serious avalanche conditions.  Lead Avalanche Forecaster for the Bridger-Teton National Forest Bob Comey says the development of this storm couldn’t have made for worse conditions. Comey says the storm began with light, dry snow which does not bond well with the snow on which it falls.  Then the storm began dropping heavy wet snow.  The combination is what Comey calls “a cookbook recipe for avalanches.”  Furthermore, Comey says the winds accompanying the storm have loaded the snow onto levered aspects, intensifying the loading there.  To say the least, Comey says the avalanche danger at all levels should not be taken lightly, even by the very experienced skier. Those planning on traveling in the mountains of the region outside commercial ski areas should carefully check the most recent report from the avalanche reporting service, and Comey even suggests maybe consider something else for the next few days and possibly through the weekend.