Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 11 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Around a foot of new snow has fallen since yesterday afternoon and more is in the forecast for today. Strong westerly ridgetop winds has accompanied this snowfall and formed new, soft winds slabs in leeward terrain. This rapid loading event has also added weight to existing persistent slabs. Above 7,500 feet, very dangerous avalanche conditions exist, and TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMEDED. Below 7,500 feet, use cautious route finding and avoid any terrain beneath higher avalanche paths.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Persistent weak layers exist in the snowpack. These layers formed during cold, dry periods and were buried on December 8th and January 5th. The weight of a single person could still cause failure of these weak layers and release an avalanche with a depth of two to five feet. Larger loads, such as groups of people or snowmachines, are more likely to trigger one of these events. Additional loading throughout the day will increase the likelihood of triggering these slabs.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Winds slabs have formed on slick sun crusts in sunlit terrain. On shaded slopes, they are building upon surface hoar and loose snow. These slabs, with depth of one to two feet, will be very sensitive to human triggers and could release naturally. As additional snowfall accumulates, these slabs will increase in depth and become more susceptible to failure.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the area this afternoon through 5pm Saturday. Snow that will be heavy at times is to continue Saturday afternoon. Southwest winds with 20-30 mph averages will cause blowing and drifting snow. Over a foot is expected in the mountains by Saturday night. Temperatures are to be cooler with highs in the teens. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be rated as Considerable in the early morning hours above 7500 and may increase to High depending on the timing and amount of new snow and wind. New wind slabs will be very sensitive to human triggers and may release naturally. These slabs will increase in size and sensitivity during the day as they are further loaded. Although unlikely, this rapid loading could cause failure of deeper layers in the snowpack to depths of four feet. Below 7500, the hazard will increase at least to Moderate as new storm slabs form over existing snow surfaces.

Regions covered