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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Out of date — this forecast expired 13 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE. Two avalanche problems confront backcountry travelers today. Skiers and riders could easily trigger newly developed wind slabs on a variety of aspects. These slides could step down to persistent weak layers deep within the snowpack. With new snow in the forecast, along with ample snow available for transport and continued strong winds, natural activity will be possible for both of these avalanche problems. Conservative terrain choices will be essential for safe travel.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Around a half a foot of new snow, which contained around an inch of water, has combined with strong westerly ridgetop winds to create dense winds slabs up to 18 inches in depth in leeward terrain. These slabs have formed on good sliding surfaces which include surface hoar, sun crusts and near surface facets. Backcountry travelers could easily trigger these slides on a variety of aspects, and natural releases are possible.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The snowpack structure is poor. Yesterday's snowfall added another load to persistent week layers deep within the snowpack. Backcountry travelers could easily trigger these slides to depths of three to five feet, and natural activity is also possible.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snowfall rates exceeding an inch per hour are expected to continue through this evening. After a brief letup Thursday morning, another round of moisture may impact the region through the rest of the day. Strong westerly ridgetop winds will range from 25 to 35 miles per hour. Temperatures will decrease overnight with mountain lows in the mid to upper teens. These temperatures are not expected to rise significantly during the day.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be HIGH on Thursday. Backcountry travelers are very likely to trigger newly developed, dense wind slabs one to three feet in depth in leeward starting zones. Below the new slabs, the snowpack structure is poor and the additional load to the preexisting weak layers will increase the likelihood of triggering slides deep within the snowpack. Natural activity for both the new wind slabs and the deep persistent slabs is likely and TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED.

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