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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago.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

Yesterday, a very large persistent deep slab avalanche was reported on the east face of Mount Leidy. This event likely occurred in the past 24 to 48 hours, and cornice failure could have been the trigger. No tracks were observed. Similar slides could be triggered today above 8,000 feet, particularly when the underlying weak layers from December and January are less than three feet below the snow surface. Skiers and riders might also be able to trigger an isolated pocket of recently developed wind slab in very steep, wind-loaded terrain above 9,000 feet. While small, these slides have the potential to sweep backcountry travelers over cliff bands or into terrain traps. Below 8,000 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    The Mount Leidy event is a good reminder that persistent deep slab avalanches remain possible. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles or cornice drops, are more likely to be able to impact the buried weak layers of faceted snow. However, the weight of a single skier might be sufficient to trigger one of these dangerous persistent deep slabs if a shallow, weak zone is encountered. These slabs could range in depth from two to five feet and will carry severe consequences to anyone involved.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect cloud cover to increase overnight as the next Pacific shortwave approaches the region. Light snowfall will develop on Saturday and increase in intensity during the day. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the negative single digits before rising into the upper single digits in the afternoon. Westerly ridgetop winds will back to the southwest at and increase to 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain Moderate above 7,500 feet with persistent deep slab avalanches being the primary concern. While these slabs are becoming harder to trigger, the consequences remain severe. Backcountry travelers might also be able to trigger an isolated pocket of recently developed wind slab in very steep, wind-loaded terrain above 9,000 feet. Below 7,500 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.

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