Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering an avalanche around a foot deep is possible on steep slopes as recent snow sits on weak snow formed in January. Assess the stability of recent snow by performing quick hand shear tests and finding small, unconsequential test slopes before committing to steep terrain. Be aware that more reactive avalanches are possible on wind loaded terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Recent snow 8-10 inches deep sits on weak snow (a poor bonding interface) formed during an extended drought period in January. This low density snow lacks a slab in many areas and has not been very unstable based on previous observations. Watch for the recent snow to set up into a firm, cohesive slab today on wind loaded or sunlit slopes. This could increase the chance of triggering avalanches that are capable of gaining momentum and size quickly. The weak, faceted snow is most pronounced on shaded aspects sheltered from the wind. Shooting cracks or collapsing are clear indications of unstable snow. 

    Wind slabs: Westerly wind has formed wind drifted snow on leeward aspects around 2 feet deep on slopes exposed to the wind at or above treeline. Look for obvious signs of wind loading such as drifts or stiffened snow.

    This photo illistrates some of the weak laayers buried below yesterdays snow that avalanches could fail on.

Avalanche Discussion

Winter finally turned back on the last three days. The recent snow has fallen in a manner that has created fairly stable conditions (cold temps and light wind). It is important to acknowledge that this recent snow sits on weak, sugary facets, surface hoar, and crusts formed during the 29 day drought period in January. We are lacking a firm, cohesive slab above that weak snow to create dangerous avalanche conditions. We are also allowing time to help these surfaces bond without any additional loading today. Monitor the recent snow throughout your travels to identify any changes in the slab character. If you notice the snow becoming denser due to warm temperatures, sun, or wind make sure to dial back terrain choices. We will continue to monitor the conditions and see if/when enough snow falls to tip the scale and stress the weak January drought snow. Let us know what you see by submitting observations. 

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