Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Skiers and riders still have the potential to trigger large to very large persistent deep slab avalanches above 8,000 feet. These slides are more likely to occur in terrain where the faceted layers from December and January reside less than three feet below the snow surface. Backcountry travelers might also be able to trigger an isolated pocket of wind slab up to a foot deep in steep, wind-loaded terrain near high elevation ridgelines. Monitor the weather and be willing to turn around if conditions warrant. Below 8,000 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    The possibility remains for skiers and riders to trigger dangerous persistent deep slab avalanches above 8,000 feet. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles or cornice failures, are more likely to be able to impact the deeply buried weak layers of faceted snow. However, the weight of a single skier might be sufficient to trigger one of these persistent deep slabs if a shallow, weak zone is encountered. These low probability/high consequence slides could range in depth from two to five feet and will carry severe consequences for anyone involved.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect mostly cloudy to overcast skies through Sunday. Light to moderate intensity snowfall will be possible overnight before a brief lull occurs in the early morning hours of Sunday. Another disturbance will move through during the day bringing another round of snowfall. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near zero before rising to around 10 degrees in the afternoon. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will range from 20 to 35 miles per hour.On Sunday, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 7,500 feet. As new snow accumulates and strong winds continue, new wind slabs will be increasing in both their size and likelihood of being triggered. As the Mount Leidy event illustrates, persistent deep slab avalanches up to five feet in depth remain a serious threat to backcountry travelers. These low probability/high consequence slides are more likely to be triggered in terrain where the faceted layers from December and January reside less than three feet below the snow surface. On Sunday, monitor the weather and be willing to turn around if conditions warrant. Below 7,500 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.

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