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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Moderate avalanche danger exists today. Recent snowfall and strong winds built wind slabs 1 to 2 feet thick. Triggering one of these slabs remains possible today near ridgetops and steep slopes above 8,500’. Look for drifts or pillows of wind loaded snow beneath corniced ridges and cliffs. Also be aware of the persistent weak layer of sugary snow deeper in the snowpack on northerly aspects. Triggering a larger avalanche on this layer is unlikely but not impossible, especially above 10,000’, due to the recent increased load of snow. Below 8,500’, avalanche danger is Low and avalanches are unlikely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Multiple 6 to 18 inch wind slabs were triggered during mitigation efforts at a local ski area yesterday. It remains possible to trigger wind slabs of that size today. The recent storm brought 6 to 12 inches of new snow and strong winds to the higher elevations with winds shifting from southwest to northwest in the past 48 hours. Look for drifted snow on steep slopes near ridgetops and beneath steep terrain. Hollow sounding snow, cracking or pillow-like formations of snow are indicators that drifting has built these slabs.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Temperatures will rise into the mid-twenties in the mountains tomorrow with wind speeds in the 20-25 mph range from the northwest. Scattered cloud cover will allow some sunshine through. New snow has continued to be transported by wind today so tomorrow will begin with wind slabs being 24-36 hours old. Any sunshine on the slabs will reduce stability. Expect human triggered avalanches to remain possible tomorrow above 8,000’ with slab thicknesses ranging from 1 to 2 feet thick. Some of these wind slabs may be more than just isolated pockets so employing an observe and evaluate mindset going another day will be helpful, especially if stepping out into bigger terrain, or sunlit and heavily wind loaded slopes.

Regions covered