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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago.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

In steep, leeward terrain above 9,000 feet, skiers and riders could trigger dense wind slabs ranging in depth from 6 to 12 inches. Above 7,500 feet, large to very large persistent deep slabs lurk on a variety of aspects. Additional snowfall and warming temperatures may increase the likelihood of triggering both wind slabs and persistent deep slabs as the day progresses. Monitor weather conditions, and be willing to change your plans if conditions warrant. Below 7,500 feet, avalanche activity is unlikely in most areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Dangerous persistent deep slabs up to four feet in depth remain a concern on a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet. Since January 19th, between 2.0 and 3.0 inches of snow water equivalent has been added to the snowpack, and just over an inch of that has occurred since Wednesday. While large triggers, such as snowmobiles or the release of a wind slab, are more likely to cause failure of these slabs, the weight of a single person could still act as a trigger if a shallow weak zone is encountered. These slabs could propagate long distances and are likely to carry severe consequences to anyone involved.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Strong westerly ridgetop winds continue to redistribute snow available for transport onto leeward slopes above 9,000 feet, and snowfall during the day will add depth and volume to these slabs. Up there, skiers and riders could trigger these dense, shallow wind slabs in steep, wind-loaded terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Northwesterly flow aloft will continue to bring periods of mountain snow and valley rain to the region overnight through Sunday. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low 20s before rising into the upper 20s in the afternoon. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above 7,500 feet on Sunday. In steep, leeward terrain above 9,000 feet, skiers and riders could trigger dense wind slabs ranging in depth from 6 to 18 inches. The additional load of the dense snowfall since Friday may begin to increase the likelihood of triggering persistent deep slabs on a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet, particularly in the Tetons. While large triggers, such as snowmobiles or the release of a wind slab, are more likely to be able to cause failure of these slabs, the weight of a single person could still act as a trigger if a shallow weak zone is encountered. Additional snowfall and warming temperatures may increase the likelihood of triggering both wind slabs and persistent deep slabs, particularly on sunlit aspects if any extended periods of sunshine occurs. Below 7,500 feet, backcountry travelers might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of wet slab in very steep ravines and gullies.

Regions covered