Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Moderate snowfall rates in combination with strong wind will create reactive storm/wind slabs and increase avalanche danger throughout the day. Look out for actively wind loaded terrain where sensitive wind slabs will be found. Although less likely, rapid loading will stress buried weak layers triggering a much larger avalanche. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Moderate winds with forecasted highs of 20-30 mph with gusts to 40 mph combined with new snow will form sensitive wind slabs. These slabs will be most sensitive today during peak snowfall and wind in the afternoon. Dense snow due to warm temperatures will create hard slabs in the upper elevations. Avoid wind loaded terrain and look for obvious signs of instability such as cracking, drifts, and stiffened surfaces.

     

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Lingering beneath a hard slab lies weak layers buried 2-3’. The Feb 18th layer is our main concern.  This layer is composed of a facet, crust combination found on solar aspects. Many areas of Togwotee also harbor weak, sugary facets across all aspects. Increased snowfall will continually stress these buried weak layers and increase the chance of triggering a large avalanche. Terrain with an increased likelihood of triggering one of these avalanches includes:

    • Shallow snowpack: Weaker buried layers of snow .
    • Wind-affected: Terrain where wind has formed firm, cohesive slabs of snow.
    • Steep: Over 35° slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

Here comes the atmospheric river. Today will be an interesting day in the mountains as vigorous weather conditions ramp up throughout the day. These conditions will be less severe at Togwotee than the other forecast zones. The combination of intense snowfall rates, radical winds and rising temperatures will create plenty of new snow instability. Avalanche danger will increase throughout the day, so it will be vital to constantly monitor for changing conditions and navigate through terrain accordingly. Remember, this forecast is just your first data point. It is your responsibility to verify the forecast and make your own decisions. Days like this can be difficult with the unpredictable nature of weather’s influence on a constantly evolving snowpack. 

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