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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Weak layers of faceted snow persist in the lower portion of the snowpack. In isolated areas above 7500 feet, avalanches involving these layers could still be triggered by the weight of a single person and could result in large to very large hard slab avalanches. Warming temperatures will increase the sensitivity of these slabs as the day progresses. Do not allow the Moderate rating and nice weather to lure you into steep terrain, human triggered avalanches remain possible. Identifying and staying out of steep terrain remains the best way to manage this hard to predict deep slab hazard. Recently formed wind slabs could also be triggered in isolated pockets in steep cliffy areas near prominent ridges. Below 7500 feet, avalanches are unlikely except for small avalanches in isolated terrain features.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Persistent weak layers of faceted snow that formed during the extended dry periods in November and at the end of December remain a real concern. Many avalanches involving these layers have occurred over the last week, as recently as yesterday in the Tetons. The possibility for backcountry riders and skiers to trigger these dangerous slabs will increase today as the snowpack is weakened by warm temperatures and sunlight. Above 7500 feet these slabs could have depths of three to five feet. At low elevations, isolated pockets of slab could be triggered with depths of up to two feet.

Avalanche Discussion

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Monday will start with inversion conditions having temperatures near zero in the valleys and in the teens on summits. Highs are to reach the low thirties at all elevations. These high temperatures will be largely dependent on the amount of direct sunshine received which is hard to predict as skies are to transition from clear in the early morning to mostly cloudy or overcast by sunset . South winds are to have averages between ten and twenty miles per hour. The avalanche danger will remain Considerable above 7500 feet in the Teton and Southwest trails areas. In these areas, backcountry riders or skiers could trigger hard slab avalanches involving deeply buried weak layers with depth to eight feet. Warming temperatures and direct sunlight will further weaken the snowpack during the day, making the chance for natural avalanche activity possible. At the Togwotee Pass area, similar, if not worse weak layers persist, however less snow received during the month of January makes both the slab depth and sensitivity of slabs to be lower. Although holding a lower danger rating, caution is advised as snow machines or skiers could still trigger dangerous hard slab avalanches in deep and steep avalanche paths. Below 7500 feet avalanche activity is limited to very steep loaded terrain features where January snow lies over faceted older snow. Isolated pockets with depths to eighteen inches could be triggered at the lower elevations.

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