Avalanche Scare

An avalanche is an abrupt and rapid flow of snow, often mixed with air and water, down a mountainside. Avalanches are among the biggest dangers in the mountains for both life and property.

Several types of snow avalanche may occur. Loose snow avalanches occur when the weight of the snowpack exceeds the shear strength within it. Slab avalanches account for around 90% of avalanche-related fatalities, and occur when there is a strong, stiff layer of snow known as a slab. These are usually formed when snow is deposited by the wind on a lee slope.

Avalanche technician Jamie Yount was kind enough to give tetonat.com an update on last weeks events which includes a video of an avalanche, triggered by a helicopter inserted anfo-bomb, burrying Teton Pass in 45′ of snow.