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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Temperatures are starting out around 10 degrees warmer than yesterday, and most stations are at their 24 hour maximum. In the past 24 hours, strong southwesterly ridgetop winds continued, and around a quarter of an inch of snow water equivalent was added to the Togwotee Pass snowpack. While skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches on density breaks within the recent snowfall, the primary concern will be persistent slab avalanches. Above 7,500 feet, skiers and riders could trigger these small to large slabs in steep, avalanche prone terrain. Below 7,500 feet, shallow persistent slabs and small wet slides might be possible. Monitor temperatures, and evaluate the snowpack and terrain carefully.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Since the end of an extended dry period on December 11th, Togwotee Pas has received close to an inch and a half of snow water equivalent. Beneath that snowfall, the snowpack varies significantly. In the higher elevations, buried sun crusts and faceted snow provide sliding surfaces and weak layers, and backcountry travelers could trigger persistent slab avalanches ranging in depth from one to two feet on steep, avalanche prone slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Northwesterly flow aloft will bring another round of snowfall to the mountains tonight and through most of the day on Monday. Rain will be likely in the valleys. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid-20s before rising into the mid-30s in the afternoon. Westerly ridgetop winds at 20 to 30 miles per hour will back to the southwest and decrease to 15 to 20 in the afternoon.Dangerous avalanche conditions will continue, and the general avalanche hazard is expected to remain Considerable in the Teton and Southwest Trails forecast zones. The hazard could increase to Considerable on Togwotee Pass. While skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches on density breaks within the recent snowfall, the primary concern on Monday will be persistent slab avalanches. Skiers and riders could trigger these slabs to depths of two to three feet in steep, higher elevation terrain, and natural activity will be possible. Lower down, smaller persistent slabs could also be triggered. If significant valley rain occurs, both human triggered and natural avalanche activity will be likely.The Wyoming Department of Transportation will close Teton Pass at 3 AM Monday morning for avalanche mitigation. Beginning tonight at 10 PM, parking will be prohibited between mile post 7 and 17. Please plan accordingly.

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