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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Warmer air from the southwest has started advecting into the region, and mountain temperatures rose overnight. Skiers and riders could trigger small to large wind slabs in steep, wind loaded terrain above 9,000 feet. Daytime warming and sunshine may increase the likelihood of triggering these slabs. If extended periods of sunshine occur, the chance for shallow wet slides could also develop on sunlit aspects. Monitor temperatures and the sun’s impact on snow surfaces, and transition to shaded terrain if snow surfaces start to become wet. The low probability/high consequence event of triggering a persistent deep slab avalanche still warrants mention. The snowpack is mostly stable at the lower below 8,000 feet, and avalanches are unlikely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    In steep, wind loaded terrain above 9,000 feet, skiers and riders could trigger recently developed wind slabs ranging in depth from six to 18 inches. As the day warms, these slabs may become more susceptible to failure. This increase in hazard will be a balancing act between the amount of solar input and the cooling effect of the wind. Terrain that concentrates the sunshine and is also sheltered from strong winds will be the most suspect.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    A chance remains for backcountry travelers to trigger persistent deep slab avalanches above 8,000 feet. With depths ranging from two to four feet, these avalanches could result in a fatality. A snowmobiler impacting a shallow portion of the snowpack will be the most likely scenario of triggering one of these destructive avalanches. A cornice drop or the release of wind slab could also initiate one of these slides.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )On Saturday, skies will be partly cloudy to mostly sunny as warm air advects into the region from the southwest. Mountain temperatures may warm slightly overnight before climbing into the mid-30s in the afternoon. Westerly ridgetop winds will increase to 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 7,500 feet on Saturday. Skiers and riders could trigger recently developed wind slabs ranging in depth from one to two feet in steep, wind loaded terrain. As the day warms, these slabs may become more susceptible to failure on sunlit aspects. Daytime warming and sunshine could also bring about the possibility of shallow wet slides. Monitor temperatures and the sun’s impact on snow surfaces, and transition to shaded terrain if snow surfaces start to become damp. The low probability/high consequence event of triggering a persistent deep slab avalanche still warrants mention. In the Teton and Southwest Trails forecast zones, these slabs could range in depth from three to seven feet. On Togwotee Pass, they could vary from two to four feet deep. Below 7,500 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable, and avalanches are unlikely.

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