Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

A Winter Storm Warning and an Avalanche Watch are both in effect; dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Temperatures have steadily warmed since midnight on Friday, and they are starting out 10 degrees warmer than yesterday morning. The combination of strong winds, steady snowfall, ample snow available for transport and warming temperatures is a recipe for avalanches. Skiers and riders entering steep, avalanche terrain will be likely to trigger small to large loose snow sluffs and wind slabs. Natural activity will also be possible. The chance of triggering large to very large deep persistent slab avalanches will slowly be on the rise. Conservative terrain choices will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Great skiing and riding can easily be found on low consequence slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Ten to twenty inches of new snow has accumulated since Saturday, and more is on the way. Strong southwesterly ridgetop winds and increasing temperatures have accompanied this snowfall, and upside-down conditions have developed. Wind slabs, with depths of one to three feet, will be easily triggered on steep slopes, and natural activity is possible. These slides have the potential of traveling long distances and entraining significant amounts of snow. Long, sustained couloirs should be avoided.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    One to one and a half inches of snow water equivalent has been added to a snowpack with poor structure. Above 7,500 feet, the potential of triggering deep persistent slabs with depths of three to six feet will slowly be on the rise today. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles or the release of a wind slab, are more likely than an individual skier to initiate one of these slabs. Similar slabs with depths of one to three feet will be possible below 7,500 feet.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service will continue to be in effect on Monday. Zonal flow will continue to stream moisture into the region, and steady moderate to heavy snowfall will carry on. Favored areas in the Tetons could receive 20 inches of new snow in the next 24 hours. About half that amount is expected in the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails forecast zones. The warming trend will continue with the mountains climbing to near 20 in the afternoon. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will also continue to rise with ridge top winds ranging from 20 to 30 miles per hour.In the Tetons, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be High in areas that received the highest amounts of snow, and Considerable hazard is anticipated elsewhere. The combination of strong winds, abundant snowfall, ample available snow and warming temperatures is the perfect recipe for avalanches. Skiers and riders entering steep, avalanche terrain will easily trigger loose snow sluffs and wind slabs that could reach depths of four feet by Monday evening. In terrain with the highest accumulations, natural activity will also be likely. These slides have the potential of traveling long distances and entraining significant amounts of snow. Long, sustained couloirs should be strictly avoided. The chance of triggering persistent slab avalanches, ranging in depth from three to six feet, will slowly be on the rise. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during periods of high avalanche hazard. Great skiing and riding can easily be found in low consequence terrain. Keep a close eye on your skiing and riding partners, even in non-avalanche terrain; snow immersion will also be a threat on Monday. Avalanche reduction on Teton Pass will likely impact the roadway.

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