Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center: Preparing for the Winter Season

As winter approaches, the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center, under the guidance of Director Frank Carus, is ramping up its operations to issue critical avalanche forecasts. With snow levels dropping, outdoor enthusiasts like skiers, climbers, and snowshoers will soon flock to the mountains, raising important questions about when and how avalanche forecasts are issued.

Avalanche centers across the nation face the challenge of determining the right time to start issuing forecasts. This decision balances several factors: safety of the public and employees, effective communication strategies, and financial considerations.

New Avalanche Forecast Tool: The General Bulletin

In response to these challenges, BTAC introduced a new avalanche forecasting tool last year: the General Snow and Avalanche Information Product, also known as the General Bulletin. This Bulletin provides essential data on weather and snowpack, assisting backcountry travelers in making safer decisions. However, it does not include the detailed daily information found in a full avalanche forecast, such as specific avalanche problem locations, travel advice, or a comprehensive danger rating.

This Bulletin, combined with daily weather and precipitation data, referred to as the “Big Sheet”, and field observations, offers a snapshot of current conditions, laying the groundwork for personal risk analysis. Despite this, the early season often presents low-tide snowpack conditions, where small avalanches can still pose significant threats.

Forecasts Begin Soon

The BTAC team, which resumed work in November, is gearing up to start forecasting from December 1st. However, this start date could be delayed if dry conditions persist. The plan is to begin forecasting by specific zones and elevations as access improves and the snowpack deepens.

As winter draws near, the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center advises outdoor enthusiasts to prepare. This includes checking for corrosion in beacon battery compartments, installing new batteries, inspecting and assembling probes and shovels, and considering avalanche or wilderness first aid courses for those whose training might be outdated.

With the forecasted El Nino weather pattern, there’s hope for a deep and stable snowpack soon, bringing safer and more enjoyable winter activities for all. You can tune into Jackson Hole Radio for the latest avalanche forecasts and safety information as the season progresses.