Togwotee Pass

Avalanche problems

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1–2

  The Togwotee Pass area has received about 10” of new snow in the past 48 hours. Moderate winds out of the northwest have accompanied the recent snowfall and built fresh slabs on leeward slopes. Triggering a wind slab up to a foot in depth is possible in steep, loaded terrain at the upper elevations. These wind slabs sit on old, firmer snow that make for great sliding surfaces. Be on the lookout for drifted snow along exposed ridgelines and cross loaded gullies. Shooting cracks are a good indication that you have found unstable snow. Many of these slabs will be small, but could knock you off your feet in consequential terrain. Evaluate the new snow carefully and use caution skiing or riding above features like cliffs or terrain traps.

  Despite the cloudy conditions that are forecasted today, any periods of sun will rapidly destabilize the new snow on sunny slopes. Wind slabs will become more sensitive and small wet loose slides are possible if the sun comes out. Monitor the cloud cover and be prepared to move off of solar slopes if skies clear for a prolonged period of time.

  

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Unlikely

  Size

  1.5–2.5

  Triggering a persistent slab avalanche on weak snow buried 2-4 feet deep is unlikely, but not out of the question yet. The most probable areas to trigger a persistent slab avalanche include steep, rocky, and wind-affected slopes on the north half of the compass. These areas contain thin, shallow spots where riders can more easily impact weak layers. Shallower snow is also found east of the continental divide and south towards the Gros Ventre Range. Previous tracks on a slope are not an indicator of stability. Use caution in steep terrain and give yourself a wide margin of error on slopes with high consequences or near terrain traps. Move to low-angle terrain to avoid this problem. 

  The last known persistent slab avalanche occurred on 3/16 in Upper Deception Creek. On 3/19, a wet slab avalanche failing on these persistent weak layers occurred on Breccia. More avalanches such as these are possible during spring warm ups, and may span the border between a wet slab and a persistent slab problem. However, both will be equally destructive avalanche types.