Parts of Jackson Hole, Wyo. remain in the dark Thursday morning after a massive power outage occurred on Tuesday, February 9, when high winds downed 17 transmission towers between Highway 390 and Teton Village. The Jackson Hole News and Guide reports that 75 mph wind gusts were the likely culprit of the accident. Also blowing into Jackson this week: extreme avalanche conditions, spiking to the top of the danger scale for the second time this season.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort announced Wednesday that operations will be suspended through the weekend, and resort spokeswoman Anna Cole told the Jackson Hole News and Guide that ski patrol was out Wednesday checking on lifts and assessing any damage caused by high winds. On Jackson Hole’s website, a simple “Mountain Closed” notice scrolls, and they report that the target date for reopening is Monday, February 13. The resort’s policy against inbounds skinning remains in effect.
Consider the resort closure a recommendation for the surrounding backcountry, as well.
As of Thursday morning, Teton Pass is closed after multiple natural avalanches covered the road in more than 12 feet of debris. The high winds are responsible for the formation of windslabs that reportedly range from six inches to four feet thick in certain areas, and the Bridger Teton Avalanche Center warns that windloading at higher elevations will continue. The BTAC also cautions that a rain event forecasted for the region could dramatically affect the already fragile snowpack stability into Thursday afternoon, and avy danger is forecasted to remain extreme during this time period.
“At the mid and lower elevations, rain will quickly weaken the snowpack, allowing for wet slabs to occur. These avalanches will release naturally today, and given the above average snowpack, are likely to entrain large volumes of snow,” the BTAC reports. “Beware of run-out zones at lower elevations, and use caution around buildings, as roofs will also be sliding.”
The current avalanche warning released by the BTAC remains in effect until Friday at 1 a.m.
Related posts: