GRAND TETON
NATIONAL PARK
The Killer Fault
Introduction
During the past 13 million years, the Teton
mountain range has risen upward and the
valley has dropped by about 23,000 feet.
Perhaps as many as 20 magnitude 7.3
quakes since the glaciers receded about
14,000 years ago have contributed to the
changing topography of Teton.
The Teton Fault
Topography
Jackson Lake Dam

The dam impounds irrigation water for
agriculture downstream of the Snake River
and also provides flood control.

The dam was upgraded in the late 1980s
and is now believed to be able to
withstand the “maximum credible
earthquake”- a magnitude 7.5 quake.
Signal Mountain Part 1

Panoramic views of Teton Range, Jackson
Lake, Jackson Hole’s glaciated landscape,
and the Snake River drainage can be
seen.

The overlook where we stood would have
been under more than 1000 feet of ice in
the last glacial stage, which ended about
14000 years ago.
Signal Mountain Part 2

The bumpy plains viewed from this spot
are known as knob-and-kettle topography
- small hills of glacial debris, plus ponds,
or potholes left when the glaciers receded.

Also, a dozen small glaciers still persist on
the tops of the the Tetons.
Mount Moran

The northernmost of the high peaks in the
Teton Range, it reaches a height of 12,605
feet.

The peak is topped by a thin layer of rock
called Flathead sandstone, formed when
the area was once a seafloor.
Yang Yang
Long Anticipated Arrival at…
On the Way to
Rendezvous Mountain
See the Glacial Features
The “Avalaunchers”
The Snake River
Cathedral: Scarp
What is a Scarp?
How are they created?
Physical Description?
Paleoseismology?
The End!