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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Yesterday, a snowmobiler did not survive an avalanche in the Horse Creek drainage of the Wyoming Range. Our deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of those involved. Details of the event are limited at this time. Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center personnel are planning to visit the accident site today, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.Above 7,500 feet, Friday’s wind event created pockets of wind slab and increased the load on existing persistent slabs. As yesterday’s tragic event illustrates, human triggered avalanches remain possible. The substantial amount of spatial variability associated with both wind slabs and persistent slabs requires a cautious approach to terrain management. Below 7,500 feet, backcountry travelers might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of slab in very steep terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Above 7,500 feet, skiers and riders could still trigger persistent slab avalanches up to three feet in depth on faceted snow that developed in November and early December. The likelihood of triggering these slabs will slowly be on the rise in the afternoon as new snow increases the load on these persistent weak layers. Evaluate the snowpack often, and don’t assume that one snow pit will give you a representative picture of the avalanche hazard.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Cloud cover will increase overnight as the first in a series of Pacific disturbances approaches the region. Light to moderate snowfall from this system will develop by noon. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the single digits before rising into the mid-teens in the afternoon. Westerly ridgetop winds will back to the southwest and increase to 15 to 25 miles per hour during the day.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate on Sunday above 7,500 feet. Friday’s wind event created pockets of wind slab and loaded existing weak layers of faceted snow that developed in November and early December. As Saturday’s fatal avalanche event illustrates, human triggered avalanches remain possible. The substantial amount of spatial variability associated with both wind slabs and persistent slabs requires a cautious approach to terrain management. Below 7,500 feet, backcountry travelers might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of slab in very steep terrain.

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