Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 10 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Strong ridgetop winds along with ample amounts of new snow have formed small to large wind slabs in leeward terrain at all elevations. Human triggered avalanches are likely and natural avalanche activity is possible. Weak layers of faceted snow are common below these slabs, and avalanches could initiate on or step down to these layers. Deep hard slabs are also a concern on high, north facing terrain. Cautious route finding and conservative decision making will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Over the past 24 hours, southwesterly ridgetop winds have ranged from 10 to 20 miles per hour with gusts to 40. Around eight inches of dense new snow has accumulated during the same time period, and close to 20 inches of snow has fallen in the past three days. This scenario will make human triggered avalanches likely and natural avalanches possible at all elevations and aspects. Slab depths will range from one to three feet.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    The chance continues for backcountry travelers, especially those on snow machines, to trigger very large deep slab avalanches on northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. If triggered, these dangerous hard slabs could involve the full depth of the snowpack.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warming through 5 AM Sunday morning. Light to moderate snowfall is forecasted overnight and during the day on Sunday. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low teens before rising into the low 20s during the day. Valley lows will dip into to the mid 20s before rising to near freezing in the afternoon. Southerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 25 to 40 miles per hour gusting into the 60s.Depending on the amount of new snow and wind overnight and during the day on Sunday, the general avalanche hazard could remain HIGH. Skiers and riders could easily trigger dense winds one to three feet in depth, and natural activity will be possible. Slides could also initiate or step down to buried layers of surface hoar and near surface facets which formed in January. TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED DURING PERIODS OF HIGH AVALANCHE DANGER.

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