Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Highlights

As the day progresses, the chance could develop for skiers and riders to trigger loose snow sluffs and small, isolated pockets of wind slab in leeward terrain near ridgelines above 9,000 feet. Above 8,000 feet, the chance for backcountry travelers to trigger large, dangerous persistent slabs will be on the rise. Monitor the amount of new snow that accumulates today, and take note of the wind’s ability to transport the new and available snow. Be wary of slopes that show signs of significant wind loading.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Persistent weak layers of faceted snow associated with the December 11th interface vary significantly across the landscape, and the overriding slabs will become more sensitive to failure as new snow and wind continue to add weight throughout the day. Skiers and riders could trigger these slabs with depths ranging from one to three feet above 8,000 feet. Previous tracks are not an indication of stability, and conservative terrain choices are the best tool to manage this hazard. Below 8,000 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )After a brief lull tonight, another round of snowfall will occur on Sunday. The Tetons will be favored with 4 to 8 inches of new snow by Sunday evening. In the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails areas, 3 to 6 inches could accumulate during the same time period. Mountain temperatures will remain in the teens overnight and throughout the day on Sunday. Westerly ridgetop winds will increase to 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard in the Tetons is expected to be Moderate Sunday morning and could increase to Considerable during the day. The chance for skiers and riders to trigger small to large wind slabs and loose snow sluffs will be increasing as the day progresses. While less likely to trigger, large to very large persistent slab avalanches will carry much higher consequences. These dangerous slabs could also step down from the release of a wind slab.Compared to the Tetons, the snowpack structure is worse on Togwotee Pass, but the overlying slabs are also significantly smaller. Skiers and riders have some potential of triggering these large persistent slabs, and the hazard is expected to remain Moderate. The Southwest Trails forecast zone also has poor structure, and slab depths are close to those found in the Tetons. There, the primary concern will be large to very large persistent slab avalanches, and the hazard is expected to stay at Considerable. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles or groups of people, are more likely to initiate one of these slabs, and previous tracks should not be taken as an indication of stability.

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