Regional avalanche conditions dangerous
Four people were buried by an avalanche Tuesday in the Monte Cristo area just north of Eccles Peak under a slope called Whiskey Hill on the Utah-Idaho border. All survived.
The Utah Avalanche Center said a group of five was riding in the area. One member stayed in a big meadow while the other four rode into the run-out zone. One person saw the avalanche break and yelled to the other three. They tried to get away, but all four were caught and partially buried.
Three got out on their own and the fourth person deployed his air bag backpack. He was buried face-down with only one boot and part of his air bag showing. The other three dug him out.
The group knew that avalanche danger was high because they had heard warnings. All were equipped with avalanche transceivers, but not all had probes.
The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center said a snowmobiler driving over Targhee Pass Wednesday observed a recent slide on a small slope just off the road.
In general, avalanche danger is forecast to be “considerable” throughout the region through Friday.
According to the Bridger Teton Avalanche Center, unstable slabs have become slightly less sensitive and are not releasing remotely as they were two days ago. Even so, conditions remain “very dangerous.”
Slabs can still release on any aspect with the weight of a single person.
You can find specific area information here for:
