Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche hazard will be on the rise today, dangerous avalanches are possible by sundown. New snow and strong winds will deposit fresh drifts on leeward slopes. Pay attention to changing weather conditions, heavy snow and strong winds are signs danger is rising, be ready to dial back your terrain and adjust to these changing conditions. Steep wind affected slopes are most suspect, if you are causing cracking in the snow around your skis on steep slopes, that is a sign to turn around and find a lower angle route.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Today, the Togwotee Pass area is forecasted to receive over 6 inches of snow with gusty winds blowing from the west in the 20s and 30s mph. This will deposit fresh wind slabs on leeward slopes. If the forecast pans out, wind slabs will be 6 inches to over a foot deep and easily triggered from the weight of a rider. Steep slopes that have signs of wind loading are most suspect.

    In many areas this new snow is falling on a very weak snow surface and avalanches will be possible in areas minimally affected by the wind. So keep your guard up in more sheltered terrain as well and avoid travelling in terrain traps such as creek bottoms or gullies where a small avalanche could be consequential. 

    Textbook example of cracking indicating a fresh wind slab. This is an obvious sign of unstable snow and warrants conservative terrain choices.

Avalanche Discussion

The storm that was forecasted to hit the area overnight has been delayed, but is still supposed to deliver snow to the Togwotee Pass area, hopefully around 6 inches. Today is one of those days where it is very important to pay attention to changing conditions. If snow doesn’t materialize, then danger will be on the lower end of moderate. If it does, it will be more dangerous and on the higher end of moderate. Heavy snowfall, strong winds, and snow being transported by the wind are obvious signs that danger is on the rise. Here is a link to understand the danger ratings better.

The January Drought weakened the snow surface in many areas, especially shaded ones facing the north half of the compass. This old snow surface could act as a weak layer for incoming snow, so today and in the coming weeks, keep your guard up in these areas. This includes treed areas and areas away from the prominent ridgelines. Avalanches could break wider and entrain more snow than you might expect from today's storm.

This week's weather will have an influence on future avalanche stability so any information we can glean about conditions is very helpful. If you are in the mountains today, please consider submitting an observation, thanks!

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