Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

While the likelihood of triggering dangerous persistent slab avalanches is decreasing, the consequences remain high, and CONSIDERABLE hazard is still warranted above 7,500 feet. Skiers and riders venturing into steep, avalanche-prone terrain could trigger these persistent slabs to depths up to four feet. Conservative terrain choices will remain essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Below 7,500 feet, backcountry travelers might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of soft slab in very steep gullies and ravines.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Weak snowpack structure associated with faceted snow that developed from the first half of December can be found on most aspects above 7,500 feet. The ability for the overlying slabs to propagate a failure of these weak layers is slowly decreasing as the snowpack continues to adjust to the loading events during the holidays. These slabs could be triggered by the first person on a slope or after the slope has been ridden numerous times, and previous tracks are not an indication of stability. With a persistent slab problem, snow pits are useful to examine the snow structure, but negative stability test results should not be used as an excuse to ski or ride a slope.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Flow aloft will back to the southwest as a weak Pacific weather system begins to move through the area Saturday morning. Skies will be overcast and light intensity snowfall will be possible throughout the day. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 20 before rising back into the mid-20s during the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will back to the southwest at 15 to 25 miles per hour.While the likelihood of triggering dangerous persistent slab avalanches is decreasing, the consequences remain high, and CONSIDERABLE hazard is still warranted above 7,500 feet. Skiers and riders venturing into steep, avalanche-prone terrain could trigger these persistent slabs to depths up to four feet. With a persistent slab problem, snow pits are useful to examine the snow structure, but negative stability tests results should not be used as an excuse to ski a slope. As the day progresses, new snowfall and winds will also begin to build isolated pockets of shallow wind slab.

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