Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
No rating
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A poor snowpack structure with weak snow below a firm cohesive slab will make triggering an avalanche possible. Use caution near/above 10,000’ where wind affected snow has created more reactive slabs and obvious signs of instability such as cracking and collapsing. Evaluate slope angles while traveling to steer clear of steep wind loaded terrain where this problem exists.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    A cohesive slab 1-2 feet deep sits above weak layers creating a recipe for possible avalanches. On wind loaded terrain above 10,000’ slab depths will be 2-3 feet with possibly higher amounts in terrain exposed to the wind. Two days ago a remotely triggered avalanche was reported on Breccia. These avalanches can occur on low angle terrain connecting to steeper terrain breaking above, below or to the side of you. Pay attention to this problem when traveling above 10,000’ where wind has created a more sensitive slab above those weak layers.  Identify this terrain by analyzing the snow surface for ripples, large pillows, or cracking. In upper elevations, look for areas adjacent to scoured slopes where snow has been previously transported. In sheltered terrain, watch out for any steep slopes over 35° above terrain traps where small avalanches can still have severe consequences.

    Remotely triggered avalanche on Togwotee yesterday that also provides a good example of a terrain trap. 

Avalanche Discussion

The mountains experienced rapid warming for two days prior to this storm, creating a crust on southerly aspects. The distribution of this crust across N-E aspects and upper elevations is uncertain right now. The zone received 2-3 inches of new snow with another 2 inches possible today which will not create significant new snow instability or stress on the persistent weak layers. Very small avalanches (D1) could be likely today as SW winds 20-25 mph form small slabs above the crust. The main concern today is where the persistent slab problem exists which is where old snow from Oct/Nov has been preserved. Large wind events have created a variable snowpack. Assume all slopes guilty until proven innocent. And really the only way to prove innocence is to dig down and look for those weak layers. Last, be aware that early season conditions certainly exist where hazards lurk just below the snow surface.

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