Togwotee Pass

Avalanche problems

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1–1.5

  Above freezing temperatures and clearing clear skies will make natural and human triggered wet avalanches possible on steep slopes that face the sun today. The majority of these avalanches will be on the smaller side, yet some could knock a person over in consequential terrain. These avalanches are most likely to begin around rocks or trees and can entrain large amounts of snow as they move downhill. Temperatures below 9,000’ rose above freezing yesterday morning and have been hovering around the freezing mark all night. Any surface crusts will break down quickly as the day warms leading to unstable conditions on sunny slopes. Be on the lookout for signs of warming such as natural wet avalanches or slushy unconsolidated snow. Consider moving to shaded, low angle terrain if these signs are present. Carefully evaluate the terrain above you given the potential for natural activity.

• 

  Deep Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1.5–3

  Weak layers of sugary facets exist in the middle of the snowpack and near the ground on most slopes. Avalanches involving these layers will be 2-3 feet deep, and up to 5 feet deep on heavily wind-affected slopes. Triggering one of these dangerous avalanches is possible on very steep slopes over 35 degrees. Signs of instability such as cracking, collapsing, or recent avalanches may not be present before triggering a large avalanche capable of propagating long distances. Multiple tracks on a slope do not indicate stability with this problem type. Suspect terrain includes very steep, rocky, and/or wind-affected slopes where thin spots exist, making it possible for humans to impact buried weak layers.

  Above freezing temperatures and recent loading has stressed these buried weak layers and could increase the likelihood of triggering a persistent slab avalanche. Surface slabs could step down to deeper weak layers resulting in a larger avalanche than expected.

  

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1–1.5

  Wind slabs were formed 36 hours ago around Togwotee Pass by strong westerly winds and new snow. Although they are becoming more difficult to trigger, skiers and riders still have the potential to trigger wind slabs up to a foot deep on very steep (>35°) and wind loaded slopes above 9,000’. Likely trigger spots include convex starting zones, cross loaded couloirs, and steep terrain below cliff bands. Warm temperatures and direct sun may increase the sensitivity of lingering slabs during the heat of the day. Carefully evaluate steep, upper elevation terrain for signs of unstable wind drifted snow such as cracking or hollow sounding snow. Consider moving to lower angle terrain if these signs are present.