Lawinenlagebericht

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Fri
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
Keine Stufe
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 3 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

The combination of a poor snowpack structure below hard slabs has created dangerous avalanche conditions on steep slopes above 9000’. Choose conservative terrain to avoid triggering large avalanches on slopes over 35° and in terrain traps such as large creeks and gullies.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Likely
    Größe
    1–2

    Hard slabs 1-3 feet deep lie above weak layers formed during prolonged drought conditions in December. Recent avalanche activity over the last week has clearly indicated that these weak layers can produce human triggered avalanches. The majority of these avalanches have occurred on N and E aspects above 9000’ where you will find the most unstable conditions. Chances of triggering an avalanche become less each day but the large size and consequence remains the same. As weak layers slowly trend less reactive, triggering an avalanche on steeper slopes above 35° in the upper elevations across all aspects will still be likely today. The combination of a poor snowpack structure and hard slab cannot be trusted yet. Stick to conservative terrain.

    (1/20/2024)

    This avalanche depicts the terrain to avoid that is very steep and dangerous. 

    Photo: Matthew Tousignant

Avalanche Discussion

Natural avalanche cycles on Togwotee are a red flag for me. These cycles are not as typical here due to less snow being incrementally loaded during storm cycles than our other forecast zones. A simple drive along the highway looking at all the avalanches in Blackrock Creek and Wind River provides a clear picture that the snowpack is unstable. Although natural activity is unlikely, triggering an avalanche will be likely by hitting those very steep slopes. Don't get caught off guard as recent avalanches have occurred on atypical terrain such as treed slopes as well as remotely triggered from gentle terrain above, below, or to the side of steep slopes. Remember if you can ride through it, you can slide through it. Let the snowpack continue to adjust to the current load before stepping out into steeper terrain. It’s called a persistent weak layer because it persists and causes problems for a long time.

Below 9000’ where the snow depth is shallower, recent warm temperatures combined with a cooling trend has made the persistent weak layers less reactive. Remember that dropping the danger to Moderate is not a green light to go full boar. Triggering an avalanche below 9000’ is still possible. 

 

 

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