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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Strong southwesterly to northwesterly ridgetop winds impacted the region yesterday, and these winds will continue to transport new and available snow throughout the day. While skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches on density breaks within the recent snowfall, the primary concern will be small to large persistent slab avalanches. Skiers and riders could trigger these slabs in steep terrain above 7,500 feet, and the highest consequences will be on upper elevation slopes where these slabs are deepest. Carefully evaluate the snowpack and terrain, and be wary of slopes with recent signs of wind loading.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Following an extended dry period that ended on Friday, December 11th, Togwotee Pass has received over an inch of snow water equivalent. The snowpack varies significantly beneath that snowfall. In the higher elevations, buried sun crusts and faceted snow provide sliding surfaces and weak layers, and backcountry travelers have the potential of triggering persistent slab avalanches ranging in depth from one to two feet on steep, wind loaded slopes. Lower down, where the recent snowfall resides above a shallow snowpack comprised of crusts, buried surface hoar and well developed facets down to the ground, human triggered slides less than a foot deep will be possible in steep terrain that has not been heavily impacted by the sun.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )After a brief lull overnight, northwesterly flow aloft will bring another round of snowfall to the region with the Tetons being favored over the other two forecast areas. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid-teens before climbing to near 30 in the afternoon. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 20 to 30 miles per hour.On Sunday, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable in the higher elevations of the Teton and Southwest Trails forecast zones. Continued snowfall and strong winds will result in dangerous avalanche conditions. While skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches on density breaks within the recent snowfall, the primary concern for Sunday will be persistent slab avalanches. Skiers and riders could trigger these slides in steep terrain at all elevations, but the highest consequences will be on upper elevation slopes where these slabs could be up to 30 inches deep. In lower elevation terrain, smaller slabs around a foot deep will be possible. The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain Moderate on Togwotee Pass where backcountry travelers have the potential of triggering persistent slabs with depths ranging from one to two feet.

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