Togwotee Pass

Problèmes avalancheux

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpin
  • Limite forestière
  • Sous la limite forestière

  Probabilité

  Possible

  Taille

  1–2

  The recent snowfall and warm temperatures have created a cohesive slab that sits on a variety of weak layers. This problem is widespread on Togwotee, however, there are certain areas to watch out for in the terrain that you are riding. Avoid steep rocky slopes that have a thin snowpack where it is easier to stress the weak layers and trigger an avalanche.  There is potential to collapse this weak layer and for propogation to occur in the new slab. Give yourself extra margin for error and ride low-angle terrain that is not connected to anything steep above you. Take the time to occasionally get off the sled and dig a quick hand pit to look for sugary snow. This type of problem can catch you off guard without any signs and remember that tracks on a slope are not proof that it is safe!

  Southwest wind over the last 36 hours have also redistributed some of the recent storm snow to North through East aspects. Watch out for steep wind loaded slopes in upper elevations and also terrain features that have been cross loaded. You will be able to see pillows, wind-affected surface snow and shooting cracks.  You will also be able to feel a change in density in the stiffer drifts as you ride. These are all signs of unstable snow that might be sitting on weak layers and are to be avoided in terrain where the consequence of getting caught in an avalanche is high.