Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions continue as 2 feet of snow was rapidly loaded between Thursday and Saturday. Triggering an avalanche is likely on this recent snow that lies above a variety of weak and unstable surfaces. Avoid steep slopes, especially wind affected areas, and use cautious route finding while traveling in avalanche terrain as the snowpack adjusts to the load of new snow. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    The zone received 2 feet of snow between Thursday and Saturday. Slab depths could be up to 3 feet, especially in upper elevations. Periods of moderate westerly winds ranging NW to SW have deposited snow creating the potential to find even larger, more reactive slabs on leeward slopes. Today W/NW winds will continue 10-15mph with gusts to 25. Cold temperatures are helping to decrease the sensitivity of slabs acorss all elevations. But this loading event of snow fell on a variety of snow surfaces including facets, surface hoar, and crusts creating a weak layer interface.

    (1/29/2023)

    Obvious sign of instability. Large cracking while setting the skintrack. 

    Photo: Drinkard

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak sugary facets and depth hoar are buried near the base of the snowpack. Areas with the highest likelihood of triggering this layer are in terrain with a shallow snowpack above 9000’. Recent loading of 1.35 inches of snow water equivalent has added additional stress to this weak layer. No persistent slab natural activity has been observed, but the possibility of triggering a large avalanche is haunting our decision making. Use conservative decision making in the specified terrain as these buried layers adjust to the new heavy load of snow.

Avalanche Discussion

Time plays a critical role in avalanche conditions, especially the time it takes for snow to stabilize after a storm. You may very well be asking yourself this question in light of the large amount of snow that fell recently.  Rapid loading events of this scale are uncommon and demand respect. Don't let the decreased reactivity of storm snow created by cold temperatures and settlement cloud your judgment too much. This recent snow fell on a variety of weak surfaces, with high uncertainty as to how this interface will bond over time. Human triggered avalanches are likely and the consequence of doing so on this new/old snow interface could be severe. Enjoy the fresh snow in safe terrain while the snowpack adjusts to the heavy load. Powder riding conditions are improving as this new snow becomes more supportable and right side up. Play it safe and give the snowpack a little time to relax and calm down.

Regions covered