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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

While the hazard rating has dropped above 8,000 feet, avalanche conditions are only slightly less dangerous than yesterday. Up there, skiers and riders could trigger small to large persistent slab avalanches in steep terrain. The likelihood of triggering these slabs is decreasing, but the consequences remain the same. Being caught in one of these slides could result in a fatality. As the basal weak layers continue to get stronger, backcountry travelers can get farther out onto a slope before triggering one of these slabs, and this scenario increases the likelihood of being captured. Don’t let previous tracks lull you into complacency; preceding riders may have simply missed hitting a trigger point. Cautious route finding and conservative terrain choices will continue to be necessary for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Avalanches are unlikely below 8,000 feet.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak layers of faceted snow persist near the base of the snowpack on slopes that held snow prior to Thanksgiving. These areas generally include all aspects above 9,000 feet and west through north to east facing slopes between 8,000 and 9,000 feet. There, backcountry travelers could trigger persistent slabs with depths of one to three feet. The basal weak layers are slowly adjusting to the previous week’s loading event. Some of these slopes are stable, others are not, and it is difficult if not impossible to differentiate between the two. Patience is key with a persistent slab avalanche problem. If you choose to ski or snowmobile in terrain where these basal weak layers are present, you are rolling the dice.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies as southwesterly flow aloft brings some high-level moisture over the region. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the upper teens before rising to near 30 during the day. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain Considerable above 8,000 feet in the Teton and Southwest Trails forecast zones on Sunday. While the likelihood of triggering large persistent slab avalanches is decreasing, the consequences remain the same. Being caught in one of these slides could easily result in a fatality. As the basal weak layers continue to get stronger, backcountry travelers can get farther out onto a slope before triggering one of these slabs, and this scenario increases the likelihood of being captured. Patience is key with a persistent slab avalanche problem. If you choose to ski or snowmobile in terrain where these basal weak layers are present, you are rolling the dice. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Low below 8,000 feet, and avalanches are unlikely there.On Togwotee Pass, where the prior week’s loading event was significantly less, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate. While the hazard rating is dropping, avalanche conditions are only slightly less dangerous than on Saturday, and triggering a high consequence avalanche is still possible.

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