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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Several layers of weak snow lie hidden within the snowpack. These persistent layers were buried as long ago as December 11th and as recently as January 12th. Slab avalanches involving these weaknesses could be human triggered today in steep avalanche terrain above 7500 feet where they could be small to very large in size. Below that elevation, activity is limited to very steep isolated terrain features. For safe backcountry travel, be thoughtful about terrain selection and take the time to evaluate the snowpack in order to determine the presence and characteristics of weak layers.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger slab avalanches involving faceted snow and surface hoar. Above 7500 feet, depending on the layer initiated, they could be soft or hard and have depths of two to four feet. These slabs may fail even after a slope has been tracked when a weak thin spot is impacted. At low elevations, where the snowpack is comprised mostly of sugary snow, slab depths of one to two feet are possible in isolated areas.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )High pressure and clear skies will continue on Wednesday. Inversions will exist, and high temperatures at 9000 feet could reach the mid to upper twenties. Summits will stay cooler due to westerly winds with averages of 20 -25 mph. Valleys will start off well below zero and rise into the mid-twenties. No real change is expected in the avalanche forecast. The focus will be on the persistent weak snow that can be found in several layers at higher elevations while dominating the snowpack at the lowest elevations. These slabs remain most sensitive in the Southwest trails areas where the hazard will be Considerable above 7500 feet and slab depths could reach five feet. Although less likely, avalanches with similar depths could be triggered in the Teton area where the danger rating will be Moderate. At Togwotee Pass the rating is also Moderate where less load lies upon the weak snowpack. Slab depths at Togwotee could reach four feet. Below 7500 feet in all forecast areas, although the structure is poor, avalanche activity is not expected except for in isolated pockets in very steep terrain.

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