This shot by Bob Woodall shows the massive natural slide that recently ripped out the east face of Buck Mountain. Here’s what today’s BTNF Avy report had to say about it:
Yesterday, clear skies enabled observations of the natural activity in the backcountry that has occurred over the past few days. A very large avalanche was reported on the east face of Buck Mountain. This slide, with crown depths near 10 feet, took out the majority of the east face and propagated to the cliffs below Static Peak.
In the past few years, skiers have been increasingly brazen about tackling Buck and other high peaks in the Tetons in midwinter. This picture might slow ‘em down a bit this year. It’s going to take a long time for our snowpack to heal, if it does at all this winter. We might get some significant bridging over the weak layers from November, but, as happened in 2000-2001, starting zones may pull out dramatically for months to come. I’d be especially wary about dropping into Granite Canyon, or anything steep (like the Claw or Chicken Scratch) on Teton Pass.
Skiing’s not worth dying for.
The East Face of the Grand went in December 1981. ‘Twas big. The last of the debris in Garnet Canyon melted in August.
Just saying.
Went down East Ridge of Glory a few days ago. Saw a pretty big debri pile at the eastern most end of chicken scratch. It was most likely triggered by control, but it went pretty deep and piled up quite high. Also a pocket went on the north face of Das Boat at Targhee. (Atleast thats what I think it’s called) All the good zones are peeling.