Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Generally stable avalanche conditions exist; large avalanches involving buried weak layers are unlikely. Small, loose snow avalanches may occur on very steep slopes. Watch for pockets of unstable wind-drifted snow in very steep upper elevation terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Triggering a large avalanche on weak snow is unlikely. Weak layers of faceted snow exist in the middle of the snowpack and near the ground on most slopes. Avalanches involving these layers will be 2-3 feet deep and up to 5 feet deep on heavily wind-affected slopes. Signs of instability such as cracking, collapsing, or recent avalanches will likely not be present before triggering a large avalanche capable of propagating long distances. You're most likely to trigger an avalanche where the snowpack is thinnest. Very steep (>35°), rocky, convex terrain remains suspect. Multiple tracks on a slope do not indicate stability with this problem type. Manage your risk by limiting your time on very steep slopes previously loaded by the wind, and steer clear of any areas that appear visibly shallow or where it's easy to find the ground with your sled track.

Avalanche Discussion

Over the past week, Togwotee has incrementally received 11" of new snow on top of a widespread crust layer that formed during above-average temperatures the week prior. This slow loading effect gives the snowpack time to adjust to the new load, keeping the hazard rating low.  While conditions are generally stable, there are a few things to look out for. 

Loose Wet Avalanches - Temperatures are forecasted to remain cool today at Togwotee, and cloud cover looks to increase throughout the day. Shaded slopes may see fast-moving sluffs on very steep terrain. If the clouds go away, small, natural loose avalanches could occur on very steep, sunny slopes. Keep this in mind and look for roller balls and moistening snow surfaces. Shedding will often originate at rocky outcrops where the sun heats the rock. If you see these signs, move to shadier and lower-angle slopes, minimizing time underneath large, very steep, sunny faces.

Wind Slab: At upper elevations, small pockets of unstable wind-drifted snow may exist. These are most likely to exist near exposed ridgelines and below cornices. If you find the snow quality changes to a stiffer or hollow-sounding nature, it's likely you found a pocket of wind-affected snow. Shooting cracks are also an obvious sign that the snow is unstable. Consider moving away from slopes where winds have created unstable pockets. 

Cornices: Continue to give cornices plenty of room, and remember that they break much further back towards the ridge than you might expect.

 

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