Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago.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

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning through 5 AM on Monday. Above 9,000 feet, skiers and riders venturing into very steep, wind loaded terrain might be able to trigger small slab avalanches along with loose snow sluffs. As the day progresses, the likelihood of triggering these slides will slowly rise as new snow accumulates. Below 9,000 feet, previous snow cover quickly diminishes. Don’t let the excitement of early season snowfall cloud your judgement. Monitor conditions, and be cognizant of the terrain below you; even small slides can result in season ending injuries if you are swept into bare, rocky slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    In leeward terrain above 9,000 feet, southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will combine with snowfall to build new wind slabs above rain crusts and firm old snow surfaces. By this evening, slab depths could reach 6 to 12 inches. As new snow accumulates, these slabs will become more sensitive to human triggers. On the highest north facing slopes, crusts that formed from early October snow still provide a potential sliding surface, which would increase the size of the resulting avalanche.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the region beginning 5 AM on Sunday and continuing through 5 AM on Monday. A potent storm system is expected to bring up to a foot of new snow to the mountains by Sunday evening. Light snowfall will develop after midnight before moderate to heavy snowfall occurs during the day. Strong southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds at 20 to 30 miles per hour will accompany this snowfall. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 20 degrees before rising a few degrees during the day. Above 9,000 feet in the Tetons, the general avalanche hazard could increase to Moderate during the day if forecasted snowfall and wind occur. In leeward terrain, new wind slabs will build upon the crusts that formed on Friday. On steep, wind loaded slopes, skiers and riders could trigger these slabs which could reach depths of 12 to 18 inches by Sunday evening. Crusts that formed on high, northerly aspects from early October snow still provide a potential sliding surface, which would increase the depth and volume of the resulting avalanche. Similar conditions will also increase the hazard in the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails forecast zones above 9,000 feet, but with shallower snow depths at the beginning of the storm and lighter forecasted snowfall, the hazard is expected to be Low throughout the day.Don’t let the excitement of early season snow cloud your judgement. Evaluate the snowpack carefully, and be cognizant of the terrain below; even small slides can result in season ending injuries if skiers or riders are swept into bare, rocky slopes.

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