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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago.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

In steep, avalanche-prone terrain above 8,500 feet, the chance persists for backcountry travelers to trigger large slab avalanches in areas that held snow from October. Mountain temperatures are starting out 10 to 15 degrees warmer than yesterday morning. As the day warms, the chance for shallow wet slides will increase on sunlit aspects. To avoid these wet slides, transition to shaded terrain as snow surfaces begin to soften. The snowpack is mostly stable below 8,500 feet.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    In terrain that held snow from October, the chance remains for backcountry travelers to trigger persistent slab avalanches up to three feet deep at the higher elevations. The old snow surfaces from October can be found on northwesterly to easterly aspects at the upper elevations and northerly aspects down to an elevation of 8,500 feet. While the likelihood of triggering these slabs is decreasing, the consequences remain high. Some slopes that held snow from October are stable, and others remain suspect. This uncertainty is based on elevation, aspect, snow depth, the presence or absence of crusts and how the slope was loaded. In this situation, snow pits are useful for identifying snow structure. However, when evaluating the snowpack, remember that stability tests should be used to test for signs of instability, and the absence of significant test results should not be used as an excuse to ski or ride a slope.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Southwesterly flow aloft will slowly become more zonal on Monday as the ridge of high pressure over the region flattens. A mix of partly cloudy to mostly clear skies will be in store until Monday evening when cloud cover begins to increase ahead of a fast moving Pacific disturbance. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 20 before rising into the low 30s during the day. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain MODERATE above 8,500 feet on Monday. The chance will linger for backcountry travelers to trigger large persistent slabs in terrain that held snow from October. While the likelihood of triggering these slabs is decreasing, the consequences remain high. Some slopes that held snow from October are stable, and others may remain suspect. The slopes that are probably most suspect are higher elevation, northerly aspects where the old snow became more faceted. In these situations, previous tracks are not a sign of stability, and larger triggers may be needed to initiate a slide. Below 8,500 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable. The Grand Targhee Resort is now closed to uphill travel as they begin setup and avalanche reduction for their opening day on Friday.

Regions covered