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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Yesterday, a snowmobiler triggered a two to three foot deep slab avalanche on an easterly aspect around 8,000 feet in the Snake River range. A buried layer of surface hoar from January is the likely culprit. Large to very large persistent deep slab avalanches remain the primary concern on a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet. While the likelihood of triggering these slabs is once again on a decreasing trend, the consequences of being caught remain severe. A skeptical mindset is still warranted with these conditions. Skiers and riders might also be able to trigger a pocket of wind slab up to 18 inches deep in very steep terrain above 9,000 feet. Below 7,500 feet, avalanche activity is unlikely in most areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Persistent deep slab avalanches ranging in depth from two to five feet continue to pose a threat to backcountry travelers on a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet. These slabs could fail on faceted snow buried in early December or mid-January. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles or the release of a surface slab, are more likely to be able to impact these buried weak layers. However, the weight of a single person could still trigger one of these dangerous slabs if a shallow weak zone is encountered.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Northwesterly flow aloft will back to the west over the day on Sunday, and cloud cover will begin to increase in the afternoon. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low single digits before rising into the upper teens during the day. Northwesterly ridgetop winds will back to the southwest and increase to 15 to 25 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above 7,500 feet on Sunday. Up there, persistent deep slab avalanches, which could exceed five feet in depth, remain the primary concern. While the likelihood of triggering these slabs is once again on a decreasing trend, the consequences of being caught remain severe. Skiers and riders could also trigger surface slabs in very steep terrain at the higher elevations. Below 7,500 feet, avalanche activity is unlikely in most areas.

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