Avalanche conditions vary across the region
Observers are urging backcountry skiers and snowmobilers to use caution and avalanche conditions vary from region to region.
A backcountry avalanche warning was issued for the Lionhead, Centennial Range, and southern Madison and Gallatin ranges earlier this week. Conditions were improving slightly by Friday, according to Center reports.
Large avalanches have been confirmed at Lionhead Ridge near West Yellowstone, after 2 to 3 feet of heavy snow fell on weak snowpack early in the week, according to the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center.
The Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center describes avalanche conditions as considerable.
Observers said large slab avalanches could be triggered by the weight of a single person on a variety of aspects and elevations. Those slabs could fail within the recent storm snow or step down to weak layers of faceted snow.
According to the Bridger-Teton Center, the consequences of getting caught in one of these dangerous slab avalanches are likely to be severe. Conservative terrain choices and excellent route finding skills are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
Elsewhere around the region, the Sawtelle area avalanche danger was listed as “moderate” Friday.
The Utah Avalanche Center reports conditions range from “moderate” in Ogden to “considerable” in the Logan area and “high” in the Uinta Mountain area.
Be sure to check with the regional center you are visiting before heading into the backcountry.
Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center or 307-733-2664
Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center or 406-587-6981
Sawtooth Avalanche Center or 208-622-8027
Utah Avalanche Center or 888-999-4019
