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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Temperature inversions strengthened overnight, and the mountains are starting out around 10 degrees warmer than yesterday. On a variety of aspects above 8,000 feet, backcountry travelers still have the potential of triggering small to large persistent slab avalanches in steep avalanche terrain. While these slabs are becoming more difficult to trigger, the consequences remain the same, and involvement in one of these slides could easily result in serious injuries or death. These slabs could become more sensitive to human triggers on slopes impacted by the sun as the day warms. Cautious route finding and conservative decision-making are the best tools to avoid this hazard. Below 8,000 feet, skiers and riders might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of slab on north facing terrain features.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Faceted weak layers can be found on most aspects above 8,000 feet, and they vary significantly across the landscape. This variability requires an extra margin of safety; now is not the time to let your guard down and become complacent. Up there, backcountry travelers could trigger persistent slab avalanches failing on these weak layers with depths ranging from one to three feet. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to initiate one of these deadly avalanches. Don’t let yourself be lulled into thinking a slope is safe if it has been previously ridden or skied. Below 8,000 feet, any avalanche activity will likely be less than 18 inches deep.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )High pressure will remain over the region on Monday, and skies will be mostly clear overnight and throughout the day. Temperature inversions will strengthen tonight with the valleys dropping to near -10. Mountain temperatures will fall into the upper single digits before climbing into the mid-20s in the afternoon. Westerly to northwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 5 to 15 miles per hour.Avalanche conditions remain dangerous in the Teton and Southwest Trails forecast zones, and the general avalanche hazard is expected to remain Considerable. On a variety of aspects and elevations, backcountry travelers still have the potential of triggering deadly persistent slab avalanches with depths ranging from two to four feet. The snowpack up on Togwotee Pass is thin and has poor structure, but the slab depths are smaller, and the hazard is expected to stay at Moderate. The region often has persistent slab problems that develop early in the season, but they are usually limited to higher elevation slopes with aspects on the northerly side of the compass. This is not the case this season. Faceted weak layers can be found on most aspects and elevations, and they vary significantly across the landscape. This variability requires an extra margin of safety; now is not the time to let your guard down and become complacent.

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