Lawinenlagebericht

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

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

Kernpunkte

Rapid loading of new snow and strong wind will stress an overall weak snowpack. Avoid steep slopes, especially wind loaded terrain, where human triggered avalanches will be most reactive. Stay conservative today in your terrain choice as avalanche conditions become more dangerous. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Multiple historically dry periods in November and December have created very poor snowpack structure that is weak. The most concerning layer is buried 1-2 feet deep as 22 inches of snow since Jan 4th has created a poor bonding interface. The base of the snowpack is also riddled with poor structure. Rapid loading today with continued snowfall and strong W wind will stress these weak layers creating prime conditions for human triggered avalanches. These avalanches can be triggered remotely from gentle terrain above, below, or to the side of steep slopes. The unpredictable nature of these avalanches can catch you off guard, as these avalanches could even fail on treed slopes. Areas with the highest likelihood of triggering will be on wind loaded slopes. Look for obvious signs of instability such as cracking and collapsing as these are clear indications of unstable snow. Cautious route-finding will be necessary today to avoid any steep terrain.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Very Likely
    Größe
    1–1.5

    Westerly winds drastically increased last night and will continue today 20-30 mph with gusts of 40-50 mph. New snow yesterday combined with these strong W winds will form fresh, soft slabs on leeward and cross loaded terrain. Areas where these wind slabs exist will also increase the likelihood of triggering a larger persistent slab. 

    (1/11/2024)

    Remotely-triggered avalanche at Togwotee Pass. Instability is currently widespread, and conditions are hazardous. 

    Photo: Olivia Lane

Avalanche Discussion

A Windy Recipe

Over the last two days we have seen increased avalanche activity on the Jan 4th weak layer as the slab above this weak layer becomes more firm and cohesive. Increased wind today will further harden this slab setting up a deadly recipe for avalanches. Weak snow above firm snow. Continued snowfall and wind throughout the day will continue to stress those buried weak layers. Rapidly changing conditions such as this should warrant a more conservative mindset.  Everyone (including myself) has been waiting patiently for the snow to fall. We have all been longing for some good powder riding. Don’t let this desire inhibit your decision making today. There are plenty of clear indications that the recent snow is unstable. Today is a great day to enjoy that deep powder in lower angle terrain and don’t get lured onto those steep slopes.

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