Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Very dangerous conditions exist as new snow continues to load slopes. Riders and skiers could easily trigger large to very large slab avalanches that will likely be un-survivable, and natural avalanches are likely. These slides could run long distances. Although large slopes pose the greatest hazard, even a small slope could be deadly. Yesterday in the cirque above Brooks Lake, there was an observation of a very large natural avalanche 8 feet deep, and snowmobilers triggered a large slide on a similar slope. Backcountry travelers should stay off of and away from steep slopes today, and travel in avalanche terrain is NOT recommended.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Since the end of January, significant snowfall has added to the slab depth that lies over very weak faceted snow. This snowpack is not to be trusted, and above an elevation of 8,000 feet, a single person could trigger a slab avalanche 4 to 8 feet deep. Triggering one of these massive avalanches will likely be un-survivable. Below 8,000 feet, backcountry travelers could trigger slab avalanche 1 to 3 feet deep on steep avalanche-prone slopes, and these slides could also have severe to deadly consequences.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Moderate wind speeds have easily transported light density snow onto leeward slopes, and the new snow is slightly upside-down as temperatures have warmed several degrees since it started snowing yesterday. Soft slabs at the snow’s surface and dangerous sluffs will be easily triggered about 3 feet in-depth and could then trigger larger avalanches. Monitor the change in wind direction this afternoon as this could quickly cross load slopes and increase the hazard in new areas.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )In a westerly flow, pacific disturbances are expected to bring moisture to the forecast area tonight and into tomorrow. Snowfall should increase overnight with 8 inches in the Tetons and 5 inches in the other forecast areas by the morning. Then tomorrow steady snowfall is expected to last into the afternoon. Mountain temperatures should range from 10 to 20 degrees and westerly to northwesterly ridgetop winds will be 15 to 30 miles per hour. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in all the forecast areas. The hazard is expected to be Considerable and depending on the intensity of the storm could increase to High in some areas. In steep avalanche terrain, backcountry travelers could easily trigger slab avalanches 3 to 6 feet deep, and natural avalanches will be possible. Although the deep slab avalanches are the main concern, newly formed surface slabs will likely develop on leeward slopes and if triggered could initiate the failure of a large slide. It will be important to monitor conditions and wise to avoid avalanche terrain.

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