After closing the whole mountain as well as all BC gates they've opened ALL of the lifts for today.
Here are the last few e-mails sent out.
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Jackson Hole Snow Report
December 29, 2008
From Jerry Blann, President JHMR
On Saturday, December 27, an avalanche at JHMR claimed the life of one of our guests.
On behalf of the entire JHMR staff we extend our deepest sympathies to the victim's family and friends. The search for the victim involved JHMR Ski Patrol and other resort staff, I would also like to extend my thanks to all of these individuals for the professionalism displayed throughout.
As a daily snow report recipient you know these usually contain summary snow amounts, links, events and information that speaks to the Snow Reporters personal experiences at the Resort. This report is not intended to convey backcountry or technical snow information as this is provided by the BTNF Avalanche Forecast center at
www.jhavalanche.org. However given the nature of the recent weather cycle, we would like to take this opportunity to communicate some messages we feel are relevant.
JHMR is unique because of the variety of terrain we have. We know and communicate about the inherent risks of skiing and snowboarding on a daily basis, especially with large amounts of snow in a short period of time. However, it is important to characterize the avalanche hazard conditions we are currently experiencing as something that may continue to exist at the resort despite the efforts of avalanche reduction work. You can lower your risks at this time by wearing a transceiver, using the buddy system, paying attention or staying out of expert terrain.
The JHMR Ski Patrol is one of the most veteran and skilled teams in North America. Our guests' and employees' safety is our No. 1 priority and every precaution has been and will be taken to minimize the risks while skiing and snowboarding at Jackson Hole.
We hope you have an enjoyable and safe new year. Our best wishes on behalf of everyone at JHMR.
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Jackson Hole Snow Report
December 30, 2008
From Jerry Blann, President JHMR
Given the nature of this unique snow story, I wanted to remain on the top of these snow report messages. We appreciate your understanding during these extremely challenging times and thank you for the many kind words of support we have received.
Routine avalanche hazard reduction work by Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) Ski Patrol yesterday morning triggered an avalanche of significant size down the southeast aspect of the Headwall. The Headwall has not been open yet to the public this season and was not expected to open in the near future.
The first slide descended from the top of the Headwall, and after a later hand charge, a second slide was triggered. The slide ran down to the areas west and south of the Bridger Restaurant building, causing considerable non-structural damage.
This incident took place prior to the Bridger Gondola opening, but a number of JHMR operational employees were in the vicinity. A search for potential victims was conducted and thankfully, after quick response aided by the gondola, everyone was accounted for. Five ski patrollers were caught in the slide but were extracted quickly with minor injuries.
Following the incident a decision was made to close the resort temporarily while further avalanche hazard reduction work took place. The decisions surrounding when the upper mountain will re-open will be made on a daily basis based on the existing conditions.
Due to the significant snowfall received in the Teton region (62 inches in past seven days), we have received a request from our partners at Bridger TetonNational Forest to close the OB gates into the surrounding backcountry. JHMR will honor this request and close all our gates into the backcountry until further notice.
Finally, our Patrollers specifically and all JHMR departments have done a phenomenal job showing the utmost professionalism and teamwork.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank the Teton County Sheriff's Department, Teton County Search and Rescue and USFS for their support.
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Jackson Hole Snow Report
December 31, 2008
Yesterday there was finally a break in the clouds. Of course it was incredible to see the Headwall first hand, but what was equally obvious was the work continuing by Ski Patrol throughout the day. Explosives rocked the mountain as they were placed by Ski Patrol and dropped by a helicopter in hard to reach areas. The avalanche hazard reduction work allowed the Bridger Gondola to open by 2.15pm and crowds were finally allowed to ski the 2900 vertical off that lift. Word today is that as a result of the work carried out by Ski Patrol yesterday all the lifts should open today including the aerial tram. The snow phone (307-733 -3391) will be updated at 9am with this lift confirmation, and
updated throughout the day at 30 minute intervals. The website Snow Report Page and Lift Status Page will also be updated as lifts open. -LB
