Bollettino valanghe

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Tue
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
1 · Debole
Sotto il limite
Senza grado
Open full map
Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 3 years ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

While unlikely, the chance exists for backcountry travelers to trigger a large avalanche that fails on weak snow in the lower half of the snowpack. Steep upper elevation terrain that faces north is the most likely place to trigger an avalanche 1-3 feet deep today. Shallow pockets of newly formed wind slab less than a foot in depth may be encountered in steep terrain in isolated areas west of the Continental Divide.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Unlikely
    Dimensione
    1–2

    Slabs of cohesive snow 1-3 feet thick overlay weak, faceted snow that formed during a dry period in November. While unlikely, the potential exists to trigger an avalanche at this interface on aspects with a northerly component above 8,500’. Collapsing the weak layer in a shallow portion of the snowpack, especially in very steep and unsupported terrain, is the best way to trigger one of these avalanches. Keep in mind that a slope can be ridden several times before a particularly thin, weak spot is impacted. Shallow snow coverage not only makes riding difficult but it also carries the potential to amplify the consequences of getting caught and carried. Before entering steep consequential terrain, take a minute to think about the snow structure beneath your feet and the consequences of being caught in an avalanche.

    Be on the lookout for areas that received the higher end of recent snow totals (~6”), particularly on steep wind loaded features in the upper elevations. In these areas expect shallow pockets of soft slab to be no greater than a foot in depth and only an issue in terrain where getting knocked off your feet will push you into terrain traps such as cliffs, trees and gullies.

    Steep, unsupported terrain with plenty of "trigger points". North facing terrain off Breccia Peak.

    Photo: Gabrielle Antonioli

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack is highly variable around Togwotee Pass. Strong winds over Thanksgiving stripped some slopes to bare ground and built large slabs on others. The general theme of the snowpack on Togwotee is shallow and weak, much like the other forecast zones. What is less variable is a weak layer of snow 1-3 feet below the surface. Two weeks without a significant loading event has given the weak snow time to adjust to the load from the early December storms. Consequently, it has become difficult, but not impossible, to impact the weak layers in the lower half of the snowpack. Shallow, rocky areas near cliff bands are still great places to find a trigger point. If you choose to step out into steeper terrain, be cautious of terrain traps such as creeks and steep gullies. Even a small avalanche in a terrain trap can carry severe consequences.

Clear and cold conditions during the second half of December helped to form another layer of weak snow. Facets and surface hoar have been observed on terrain on the north half of the compass. Crusts can be found on steep south facing and low elevation terrain. This layer is now covered with a small amount of new snow from two days ago. It will be important to keep track of this December drought layer as it gets buried by any new snow.

Regioni coperte