Avalanche season in Wyoming has begun, and the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center in Jackson raised the avalanche risk from low to moderate on Thursday afternoon.
Bob Comey, director of the avalanche center, says that early snow in September followed by dry, warmer weather in October has contributed to avalanche conditions. That warmer weather melted some, but not all of the early snow.
“It has become what we call a persistent weak layer, that has since been covered by quite a bit of new snow that fell in late October and early November,” Comey says.
Comey adds that avalanche hazards can fluctuate hour by hour. He recommends that skiers and outdoor enthusiasts familiarize themselves with the kinds of slopes that are prone to avalanches, as well as check the center’s website before heading out in the Jackson, Yellowstone, or Bridger-Teton areas.