Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago.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

Large to very large persistent deep slab avalanches continue to be a significant hazard. While the likelihood of triggering these slabs is on a slow decreasing trend, the consequences of being caught remain severe. A careful analysis of terrain and understanding of the ramifications of our snowpack structure is necessary for safe travel in avalanche terrain. A wrong terrain selection choice could result in serious consequences. Avalanche activity is unlikely below an elevation of 8,000 feet.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Dangerous deep slab avalanches could be human triggered on a variety of aspects. These slabs can fail with depths from 2 to 3 feet on a layer of surface hoar that formed in mid-January and with depths from 3 to 5 feet on a persistent weak layer of faceted snow that is deeply buried above a late November crust. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to be able to impact these buried weak layers. However, the weight of a single person could still trigger one of these dangerous slabs if a shallow weak zone is encountered. Previous tracks on a suspect slope should not be considered to be an indication of stability.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A low pressure system from the Pacific is stalling over the Great Basin. The portion of this system that will affect western Wyoming is splitting and weakening. Although the bulk of the moisture associated with this storm will remain to our south and west, enough moisture will move into the region to produce some periods of light snowfall overnight and into the morning hours. Temperatures will remain in the teens and 20s. Winds will be light from the east to northeast.At the mid and upper elevations (7,500 to 10,500 feet) dense slab avalanches can still be triggered on a variety of aspects by the weight of a single person. These slabs can fail with depths from 2 to 3 feet on a layer of surface hoar that formed in mid-January and on a persistent weak layer of faceted snow that is deeply buried above a late November crust with depths from 3 to 6 feet. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the mid and upper elevations and LOW below an elevation of 7,500 feet.

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