Storm update: It’s awesome.
The thing I feel should be beating into your head is that the backcountry is dangerous right now.
Yesterday there was a 6ft crown in Rock Springs, skier triggered, running from the “bench” (often used to traverse across to the Green River bootpack) over the center cliffband, and fracturing again on the lower bowl before running into the flats where generally people will wait for one another. (RossesBench path on the avi activity table posted at the bottom of this post.)
Thursday afternoon a middle aged woman, skiing alone, triggered an avalanche and sustained injuries in Broken Branch Couloir on 4 Pines. WHAT? Teton County Search and Rescue was called out to skin – in the dark- in high avalanche danger to help her. Rumors abound, but it sounds like “gracious” wouldn’t describe her demeanor. It’s really unacceptable to put our volunteers into such dangerous situations, especially one that should and could be easily avoided.
Teton Pass remains closed. No estimated opening date.
JHMR ski patrol was doing control work until well past 11AM yesterday.
Temperatures have been very warm. The snowpack is upside down.
And there is another 15″ expected for the next 24 hours. Warm, with potential for rain at the lower elevations.
Basically every red flag is waving. I guarantee it will be busy at the village today, but getting fed up with lift lines is not a valid reason to start making risky decisions. You might be feeling a safer with the Avalung and ABS pack (and I fully agree that those are awesome things to have in addition to the other 3 critical tools- beacon, probe, shovel), but take it easy out there.
Alright, enough ranting. I gotta get out there to shred the Granite. Winky Face Here.
More media and entertaining stuff soon! Stay safe!
