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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

This morning's strong winds and intense snowfall will be increasing the avalanche hazard. Gusty winds and new snow will be forming pockets of soft wind slabs on leeward aspects. Rapid loading will create areas of storm snow instability. Skies and riders who venture onto steep slopes with fresh drifting could trigger pockets of new wind slab four to eight inches deep. At the mid and upper elevations skiers and riders could also trigger larger and denser slab avalanches on persistent weak layers of faceted snow that formed in early December and November. At the lower elevations (below an elevation of 7,500 feet) small pockets of wind slab may begin to form and become sensitive to human triggers on isolated terrain features. Monitor conditions and carefully evaluate the snowpack and terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Skiers and riders could trigger dense slab avalanches up to two feet in depth on a weak layer of buried surface hoar. Some potential remains for skiers and riders to trigger deeper persistent slab avalanches with depths to three feet on a layer of faceted snow that is lower in the snowpack. The sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers may increase due to this morning's expected period of intense snowfall and strong winds.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A fast moving Pacific trough will bring snow to the region. Snow will develop late tonight. Snowfall rates of an inch an hour are possible during the morning hours. The snowfall will taper off to light snow showers in the afternoon. Accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are possible in localized areas. Most areas should get 2 to 4 inches. Strong southwest winds with gusts to 40 miles per hour will accompany the heavy snowfall and will create areas of blowing snow. Temperatures will in the teens and 20s. Tomorrow’s storm will begin to form pockets of new wind slab on leeward aspects. New snow instabilities are likely on steep slopes that experience rapid loading for a sustained period. Skiers and riders who venture into these areas could trigger pockets of new wind slab up to a foot in depth.The new snow will also be increasing the load on existing buried weak layers. Skiers and riders could trigger dense wind slabs up to two feet in depth on a persistent weak layer that formed earlier in December and larger slab avalanches to three feet in depth on a persistent weak layer that formed in November. Monitor conditions and carefully evaluate terrain and snow conditions. The general avalanche hazard is expected to moderate and to be on the increase.

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