Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago.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

Triggering an avalanche is unlikely today. Low danger does not mean no danger. Isolated areas of unstable snow may exist in very steep terrain. Continue to practice safe travel habits by only exposing one person at a time in avalanche terrain and avoiding terrain traps.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Weak, faceted snow formed in November is buried by two to five feet of dense snow. Over ten days without snowfall has allowed for ample adjustment between layers. The last reported avalanche on this layer occurred just over three weeks ago. As a result, avalanches involving facets near the ground are very unlikely. Despite the extremely low likelihood, isolated features exist where impacting weak snow near the ground is not out of the question. These features include very steep, unsupported slopes as well as rocky and wind affected slopes where the snowpack is shallowest.

Avalanche Discussion

The drop to low danger today reflects the decreased likelihood of triggering a persistent slab avalanche. A relatively strong snowpack for this time of year, ample time for adjustment, and a lack of any new snow load have created stable conditions on the majority of slopes in the Togwotee zone. Despite this, it is important to recognize that there are pieces of terrain where the chances of an outlier event are highest. Building some margin of safety around suspect terrain features remains a good call, even in periods of low danger. Small avalanches can have serious consequences when triggered above terrain traps. The recent tragic accident in the southern Salt River range is a sobering reminder to remain vigilant in avalanche terrain. The preliminary report is available for more info.

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