Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

It will be possible to trigger avalanches ranging from 2-3 feet in depth in upper elevation wind loaded terrain. The likelihood of triggering is on a downward trend, but the consequences remain high. Below 9,000 feet, the likelihood of triggering is lower, but cannot be ruled out. Avoidance of steep terrain will be necessary today.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Slabs 1-2 feet thick sit atop persistent weak layers on northerly aspects. Deeper weak layers 2-3 feet below the surface are still a concern as well. Triggering an avalanche on recent snow or stepping down to deeper weak layers is possible. The highest likelihood will be on previously wind loaded terrain (NW-SE aspects) where recent snow has formed into a more cohesive slab. Look for signs of wind drifted snow such as distinct hardness changes, cracking, large pillows/drifts, and altered snow surface texture. Steer clear of terrain off ridgelines that have been wind loaded and avoid riding above terrain traps such as cliffs, gullies and trees.

    Watch for increased reactivity of recent snow on southerly aspects as the sun heats up snow surfaces this afternoon.

    Double propagation!

    Photo: Noah McCorkel

Avalanche Discussion

Storms between Feb 2nd and 9th deposited 18-20” of new snow in the Togwotee Pass forecast zone. This new snow sits on a variety of surfaces, with weak faceted snow on the north half of the compass and crusts on the southern half. As a result, the Feb 2nd interface remains suspect, especially on northern aspects. While it has been several days since the most recent loading event, the potential still remains to trigger slabs in the 1-2 foot range. Combine that with weak layers deeper in the snowpack and we are left with the potential for larger avalanches, in the 2-3 foot range. With a lack of recent data from this zone, the “guilty until proven innocent” approach is warranted. Activity yesterday in the Tetons supports a continuation of a considerable rating for today.  While the snowpack is different between the two zones, the common thread is a newer slab sitting on weak snow. Expect the likelihood of triggering to be on a downward trend as we move further away from the early February snowfall.

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