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Emergency Management Warns of Avalanche Danger in Bighorns
There is currently an increased danger of avalanche in the Bighorn Mountains due to significant snowpack, and those enjoying winter outdoor activities are asked toi be aware of the conditions.
According to a release from Sheridan County Emergency Management, there is no official avalanche center in the Bighorn Mountains to issue a danger scale, but most surrounding locations such as the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center and Teton National Forest all have rated the avalanche danger in their locations as considerable or moderate.
There have been two unconfirmed reports of individuals being partially buried in small avalanches in the Big Horn Mountains, and one person was killed in an avalanche in Wyoming this year.
Emergency Management wants to remind the public to avoid enjoying winter recreational activities alone and always tell someone where you will be and when you will be home.
A probe, beacon and shovel are important tools to have when enjoying the mountain snow.
Avalanche information, education and tools can be found at www.avalanche.org
Updates and important information can be found on the Sheridan County website, or by contacting Sheridan County Emergency Management.
We have provided contact information with this story at sheridanmedia.com.
Contact Sheridan County at https://www.sheridancounty.com, or Sheridan County Emergency Management at (307) 675-2569 or scema@sheridancountywy.gov
R. Bret Rhinesmith
March 3, 2023 at 5:01 pm
Just as important to traveling with the proper avalanche gear (transceiver, prove, and shovel) is the training to understand the terrain, weather, snowpack and human factors. Conservative decision-making is need to avoid triggering an avalanche when the avalanche danger is considerable, high or extreme! Stay off slopes greater than 30 degrees to minimize the consequences of triggering an avalanche.