Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago.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

The snowpack remains unstable and dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Weak snow layers at the base of the snowpack that were covered by last week's significant snowfall event could fail to the presence of a single person and may release remotely. Earlier this week a snowmobiler was fully buried near Two Ocean Mountain. He was uncovered by his party without injury. They were being conservative and did not think the terrain was capable of producing an avalanche. Caution is advised in route selection today as avalanches can be triggered from below a slope, above a slope, or in steep treed areas. In terrain where the recent snow lies directly upon the ground, avalanches are not expected today.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Persistent weak layers, comprised of faceted snow and crusts, exist in terrain that held snow prior to Sunday November 24th. This terrain generally includes all but south aspects above 9,000 feet and northerly slopes down to 8,000 feet. Skiers and riders venturing into these areas are likely to trigger slab avalanches up to three feet in depth. Understanding and identifying where the old weak snow is present is essential in avoiding this hazard.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A system passing through Utah may bring an inch or so of snow to the Southwest Trails area tomorrow. In the Teton and Togwotee Pass areas, mostly cloudy skies and dry conditions are expected. Temperatures are to be similar to todays with lows in the teens followed by highs in the mid-twenties at higher elevations and the low thirties at lower elevations. Winds are to vary from the southwest to the northwest with ten to fifteen mile per hour averages. The general avalanche hazard will continue to be CONSIDERABLE above 8500 feet and LOW below that elevation. In any higher terrain underlain by old snow, an unstable snowpack exists and skiers and riders have the potential to trigger slab avalanches in steep avalanche terrain. The poor structure provides the possibility for slabs to release remotely from above or below a slope. They could also be large or small and could release in treed areas. Below 8500 or in any terrain where the recent snow lies directly on the ground, avalanches are unlikely except for in very steep, smooth terrain.

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