Lawinenlagebericht

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

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

Kernpunkte

It remains possible today to trigger a large avalanche up to 2 feet thick on very steep slopes greater than 35°. Avalanches could also break deeper than you expect into older, weak layers closer to the ground. Evaluate every steep slope carefully with an eye toward thin spots like rocky outcrops and around wind-affected areas where the weight of a single rider could impact buried weak layers. You may not see cracking or collapsing before triggering an avalanche. If you are unsure, seek out sheltered lower-angle terrain where you will also find the best riding.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1.5–2.5

    Triggering a large avalanche up to 2 feet thick is possible where weak layers have been buried since the beginning of February. The current slab sits on a variety of weak surfaces, including crusts/facets on solar aspects and facets on shady aspects. This problem could be sensitive to the weight of a single rider or snowmobile. You are most likely to trigger an avalanche on very steep rocky slopes and areas where wind deposited snow from the last storm into firm slabs. Specifically, consider where the overlying slab might be thin and where you can more easily impact weak layers below - such as around the margins of wind-loaded slopes. Large triggers like snowmobiles, cornices, and small avalanches in more recent snow will increase the likelihood of triggering a large avalanche. Dig down and investigate layers in the top two feet of the snowpack, but keep in mind that buried weak layers from the January dry period will be as deep as 4 feet in wind-loaded areas and will not show any signs of instability like cracking or collapsing until an avalanche is triggered. Continue to travel safely by going one at a time around steep avalanche terrain and spacing out around terrain traps like creek beds and gullies.

    Weak layers left over from dry and cold December weather remain buried up to 5 feet on west through north through east aspects above 9000'. It is unlikely that you will impact these layers and there will be no signs or indication of this problem while travelling. Travel where the snowpack is deep by avoiding thin rocky areas and slab margins.

    (2/11/2025)

    The crown of the recent unintentionally-triggered avalanche on the E face of Lava ~10,400'.

    While unlikely that you will trigger an avalanche this large, it is a good reminder of the current situation involving buried weak layers and high consequences.

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Since the beginning of January, snowpacks across the state have nearly doubled. Recent snowfall has fallen on older, weak snow from January (~3-4 deep), in addition to a recent interface consisting of crusts/facets in the top portion of the snowpack (1-2 feet deep). This layer in the upper snowpack is the primary concern, although it is becoming less likely with time. While the snowpack adjusts to the most recent loading, continue to evaluate steep slopes carefully and identify where wind deposited snow from the last storms. Continue to look for recent avalanches, cracking in the surface, and large collapses. However, we will see fewer of these clues going forward - chances are you will trigger an avalanche without seeing any signs beforehand.

With a winter storm arriving today and lasting through the weekend, remember that more weight on the snowpack will require further adjustment. While Togwotee will not see the brunt of this storm, the danger will still rise in the next couple of days. Look for cracking and collapsing in new wind-drifted snow by late this evening and remember that even small avalanches can knock you off your feet.

If you are uncertain whether a steep slope could avalanche and don’t want to dig to investigate weak layers, consider the consequences if you are on that slope, and it avalanches - I am certain that there are few good outcomes getting caught in a large avalanche or even a small avalanche in a terrain trap.

Please consider submitting an observation HERE. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. Thanks!

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