Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning. While the hazard rating has not increased, the avalanche hazard is on the rise. Skiers and riders could trigger small wind slabs and loose snow sluffs in steep avalanche terrain. The likelihood of triggering large to very large persistent slab avalanches will slowly increase as weight is added to the underlying weak layers of faceted snow. Monitor the weather and be willing to alter your travel plans if conditions warrant; or simply choose to stay in conservative terrain all day long.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Strong winds and new snow are combining to form wind slabs on leeward slopes above 7,500 feet. These slabs are building above a variety of snow surfaces, which include sun crusts, surface hoar, near surface facets and wind pack. Skiers and riders venturing into steep avalanche terrain could trigger these slabs with depths of 6 to 18 inches. As these slabs gain depth and volume throughout the day, they will also become easier to trigger.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Most areas on Togwotee Pass have a snowpack with poor structure, and persistent slab avalanches with depths of three to five feet remain a concern. In steep terrain above 7,500 feet, the chance for backcountry travelers to trigger these slabs will slowly increase. 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 could be triggered below 7,500 feet.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning beginning tonight at 6 PM. Snowfall intensity will increase overnight as a prolonged period of snowfall begins. Zonal flow aloft will develop, and southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will range from 20 to 35 miles per hour. Mountain temperatures will be fairly steady overnight before climbing into the mid-teens during the day.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate Sunday morning and steadily rise as the day progresses. Considerable hazard could develop during the day, particularly in the Tetons where accumulations will be highest. Throughout the day, skiers and riders will be increasingly likely to trigger newly formed wind slabs on steep, leeward slopes above 7,500 feet. These slabs could reach depths of one to two feet by Sunday evening. The likelihood of triggering large to very large persistent slab avalanches will also be on the rise as weight is added to the underlying weak layers of faceted snow. Monitor the weather and be willing to alter your travel plans if conditions warrant; or simply choose to stay in conservative terrain all day long.

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