Team urges backcountry travelers to be cautious as Winter Storm drops nearly three feet of snow on the Tetons
Jackson, Wyo. — Teton County Search and Rescue is closely monitoring the coronavirus pandemic and following CDC guidelines for the health and safety of our team members and Foundation staff. As all of you, we are concerned about a potential outbreak here in Jackson and recognize our important responsibility of having a healthy team of first-responders. With large-scale events being canceled, the SAR team decided to postpone group training this weekend, as the priority is to keep the team operationally healthy and ready to respond in the event of backcountry emergencies.
“Our team is continuing to train in small groups and individually and as always are prepared 24-7 for backcountry emergencies,” said Stephanie Thomas, executive director of the TCSAR Foundation. “Big storms can bring unfortunate accidents for weeks to follow so please remember to be prepared and change plans accordingly.”
On March 15, all three Teton County, Wyo., ski resorts (Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Grand Targhee, and Snow King Mountain) announced they would be closing for the remainder of the season to ‘flatten the curve’ of the coronavirus. Please check with each resort on their individual uphill skiing policies.
We know that as a community of adventurers, people are going to be out skiing and recreating in Teton County during this global health scare. With a Winter Storm dropping nearly three feet of heavy, wet snow in the Tetons over the weekend, we want to remind backcountry travelers to continue to follow best practices:
Check the daily avalanche forecast from the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center.
Let someone know where you are going, and when you plan to return.
Carry the appropriate gear (beacon, shovel, probe, airbag, first aid kit, communication device, extra layers, food, etc.)
Always be prepared to self-rescue, as avalanche conditions, inclement weather, nightfall, and other natural hazards may make it difficult for first-responders to reach you regardless of what is happening in the news.
Additional resources for backcountry safety can be found at Backcountry Zero.
As the TCSAR team likes to say, “Be prepared, practiced, and present.”