Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Highlights

Two avalanche problems will confront skiers and riders today. Above 7,500 feet, backcountry travelers could trigger small to large wind slabs in steep, wind-loaded avalanche terrain. These slides are most likely to be encountered near high elevation ridgelines where strong winds have transported recent snowfall onto leeward slopes. Human triggering of large to very large persistent deep slabs remains possible in terrain above 9,000 feet that held snow from early October. Use cautious route finding and conservative decision making. The snowpack is mostly stable below 7,500, and avalanches are unlikely.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    On northwesterly to northeasterly aspects above 9,000 feet, backcountry travelers could trigger persistent deep slab avalanches failing on weak, faceted snow near the base of the snowpack. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to cause failure of this basal weak layer, and previous tracks are not an indication of stability. These dangerous and destructive slides could reach five feet in depth.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    South-southwesterly to west-northwesterly ridgetop winds have combined with recent snowfall to form wind slabs in leeward terrain above 7,500 feet. Skiers and riders could trigger these slides to depths of 30 inches on steep, wind-loaded slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect mostly dry conditions overnight before a cold weather disturbance drops out of western Canada and moves through the region on Sunday. Cloud cover will increase, and light snow showers will begin to develop after midday. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the single digits before rising into the low teens in the afternoon. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will range from 10 to 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE in the Teton and Greys River forecast zones on Sunday. In those areas, skiers and riders might be able to trigger a deep persistent slab on westerly through northerly to easterly aspects above 9,000 feet. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely impact this basal weak layer, and previous tracks are not an indication of stability. Backcountry travelers could also trigger wind slabs to depths of three feet in steep, wind-loaded avalanche terrain above 7,500 feet. Snow depths in the Togwotee Pass area are shallower, and the basal weak layers are more easily impacted, which will keep the hazard at CONSIDERABLE. Wind slabs, similar to those in the other forecast zones, will continue to be a problem of concern.

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