Togwotee Pass

Deeply buried weak snow remains a concern, despite the many tracks in this forecast zone. You are most likely to trigger an avalanche when your weight passes over a thin spot in the slab. The best way to avoid triggering this type of avalanche is to avoid riding on very steep slopes, especially slopes that end in a gully or other terrain trap.

Here are some tools to help identify terrain where deep weak layers exist:

• Avoid terrain traps. Gullies, trees, rocks, and quick transitions in terrain can worsen the consequences of an avalanche. Don’t plan on getting caught in a slide, but if you do, stack the odds of a favorable outcome by avoiding these terrain features.
• If a slope is shaded during the day, it likely faces west, north, or east. These are aspects that are more likely to harbor weak snow.
• Measure if a slope is avalanche terrain or not. Slopes over 30° are avalanche terrain, and for the problems we are dealing with now, we are most concerned with slopes over 35°. You can use a variety of apps, but using the Measure app or a bubble level app can help with this. Here is a video that demonstrates how to measure slope angle.
• Use digital mapping to identify aspect, elevation, and slope angle. Most modern mapping apps have a slope-angle shading layer. This can help you get a general idea of where avalanche terrain exists. Remember that this tool has resolution limitations and shouldn’t be used for actual route finding.
• Carry avalanche rescue equipment on your person (avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe) and practice with it. There is no substitute for regular hands-on practice. Consider taking an avalanche course. These videos can be helpful, but are not a substitute for real, hands-on education.

Here is a preliminary look at the accident site and the snowpack in LaBarge Creek made day before yesterday.