Persistent Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
Hard slabs 1-3 feet thick that sit over weak snow remain a lingering issue today. It has been just over 2 weeks since the last human-triggered avalanche was reported on Togwotee, which resulted in a fatality. Though time is decreasing the likelihood of triggering a large avalanche, take a minute to look at the snow structure of what you are riding and where that problem snow can be found on the problem diagram above. If you're finding weak snow at the base of the snowpack under your skis or sled, it's best to steer clear of any steep slopes--even if these may appear unsuspectingly small, like the steep creeksides and gullies that are common around Togwotee. This is a low probability but very high consequence setup.
(1/16/2025)
An example of terrain where persistent slab avalanches are most likely.
Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center