MORE DRY & COLD w/ WIND UP HIGH - JANUARY 17, 2013

Buck Mountain - 1/17/2013

A small storm system on January 10th & 11th, briefly broke the dry spell after the Holidays, before we moved right back into another period of high pressure and dry, cold days.  This second period of drought, however, has been accompanied by some stronger winds out of the north that have significantly impacted snow conditions above treeline.  Expect areas of wind slab, breakable crust, and sastrugi above 10,000 feet, and softer, less wind-affected snow, lower down.  The next chance of significant precipitation is expected the middle of next week. 

Looking towards Albright Peak from Peak 10,696 - 1/17/2013

COLD, DRY CONDITIONS PREVAIL! - JANUARY 5, 2013

Photo taken 1/5/13

After a period of regular snowfall throughout the month of December, the Teton Range is in the midst of a drought.  The last significant snowfall in the range occurred over the Christmas Holiday with virtually no snow since.  Strong high pressure has resulted in moderate to strong inversions, with frigid valley temperatures and mostly mild temperatures in the upper elevations.  Avalanche danger in the Teton Range is currently low, however, the dry, cold conditions have created a snowpack that is dominated by weak, faceted snow near the surface.  This will surely result in significantly elevated avalanche danger during and after the next storm.  For detailed information on the snowpack and avalanche danger in the Teton Range please visit the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center website.       

AVALANCHE ACTIVITY INCREASED DURING MAJOR STORM - DECEMBER 11, 2012

Beginning December 1st, snowfall has been daily and snow totals have reached 4-5 feet above 9500'. This past weekend, dense wind driven snow increased the stress on the snowpack, triggering some of the first large avalanches of the season.  Here in the Tetons these large avalanches occurred on north and northeast aspects.  Looking at the November 7th photo below we can see the old snowline where the October weak layer likely exists today. 

ANOTHER SHOT OF SNOW THIS WEEKEND, LET IT SNOW! - NOVEMBER 7, 2012

The first storm of this season brought 2-3 feet of new snow to the mountains, but another warm and dry period melted it back to an elevation of 9,000'.  The reports of warm, south facing rock climbing may be coming to an end.  The second winter storm is predicted for this weekend with more snow in the mountains and cold temperatures.

 Winter conditions at Amphitheater Lake - 11/5/12