Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger slab avalanches in steep avalanche terrain above 9000 feet. Below that elevation, the potential for avalanche activity is limited to isolated, very steep terrain features such as steep gullies.
Avalanches involving weak snow layers could be triggered in steep starting zones and in very steep wind loaded terrain. If triggered, these soft slabs could have depths to 2 feet.
The snowpack at Togwotee is wrought with weak, faceted snow. Recent storms have formed denser layers above this weak snow. In areas where the surface is dense enough that a cohesive slab has formed, avalanches can be triggered. Do not be fooled if lower angle terrain is not indicating weakness and obvious avalanche activity is not prevelent. Avalanches can still be triggered in steep terrain where wind and snowfall have loaded the underlying weak snowpack. While riding, note where the snowpack is weak and sugary and pay attention for signs of collapse. When larger storms impact the area in the future, knowing where the weakness is the most prevelent now will help in good decision making.
