Avalanche
An avalanche can be a truly terrifying disaster. Avalanches occur when the load of snow on a slope becomes too great and through the force of gravity the snow moves downhill. Depending upon the size and speed of the avalanche, these can be deadly natural events.
Risk Factors
There are some conditions that can make avalanches more likely, including:
- History of avalanches: If there have been avalanches in the area before, this is a very good indication that there will be another one.
- Slope angle: Most avalanches occur on 30 to 45 degree slopes, but depending on the condition of the snow pack can occur at any angle.
- Weather: Recent significant snowfall greatly increases the chance of an avalanche. When new snow doesn't have an opportunity to bond to previous layers, this can set up slab avalanches. Snowfall amounts of a foot or more in a 24 hour period would be considered significant.
There are many other factors that can increase the chances of an avalanche. Check the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) for more information.
Impacts
Most importantly there is the potential loss of life or risk of serious injury associated with avalanches. Secondary to that, impacts include:
- Impeded travel: Avalanches can shut down major highways into and out of Teton County such as Highway 22 (Teton Pass), South Highway 89 (Rafter J area, Snake River Canyon), and Highway 191 (Hoback Canyon). Check Wyoming Department of Transportation's road condition page to see if your travel routes are closed due to avalanches or avalanche control.
- Economic losses: If employees are unable to come into work due to highways being shut down, businesses will not be able to operate at capacity. Additionally, closed roads will prevent people from coming to Teton County to recreate and vacation.
- Increased strain on emergency services: Increased amounts of people in the back country means more search and rescue call outs. With the time and effort required for each rescue, simultaneous requests for help can be a significant strain on local resources. If roadways are closed due to avalanches, this not only makes it difficult or impossible for emergency services such as law enforcement or EMS to respond to affected areas, but will also make it difficult for responders to report for their shifts.