Better late than never

Wednesday, April 07, 2010

By Lisa Van Sciver

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-Last Sunday, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort closed on a powder day. The long, dry winter season of 2009-2010 wrapped up with a cold winter storm. The week’s snowfall exceeded 40 inches and winds whipped through with gusts up to 80 miles per hour. The strong winds loaded new snow forming a wind slab upon the weak snowpack. The rapid loading resulted in signs of avalanche activity like shooting cracks and collapsing. Suddenly the backcountry hazard rose and safe travel through avalanche terrain became essential.

The winter of 1993 was not a big snow season. The Village closed with 348 inches of snowfall in Rendezvous Bowl, 40 inches less than this year. Despite the dry season, Mother Nature decided to bring back the snow in June and through mid-July. During this snow cycle, more than six feet of snow fell on the lower saddle and new snow avalanches ran off the Grand Teton more than 1,000 feet into the Meadows. In the Tetons, wintry conditions and avalanches can occur any month of the year, so always be aware of the snow surrounding you.

This season’s last storm was better late than never, finally giving us a week of powder skiing. Human and naturally triggered avalanches occurred, especially on north aspects where the dry season has left faceted snow to the ground. Rapid warming or rain will make these facets very reactive and dangerous. So even though spring days increase settlement, if there is snow on the slope, it should be assessed. Until next season, keep skiing safe.


PERMALINK:
Better late than never | Planet JH News Article: Snow Report Column

Leave a Comment