(Fremont County, WY) – The avalanche risk in backcountry areas around Togwotee Pass is listed as ‘Considerable’, according to the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center’s (BTAC) February 17th release.
“New and wind-drifted snow are creating touchy wind slabs and adding weight to buried weak layers,” the BTAC’s Gabrielle Antonioli writes. “Avalanche conditions will be most dangerous on slopes with windblown snow, but it’s also possible to trigger a slide breaking 2+ feet deep on steep, sheltered slopes. It will be a good day to stick to lower slope angles (<30°) and avoid wind-loaded terrain.”
A scale of 1 to 5 is used to classify avalanche danger. The ‘Considerable’ rating equates to a 3 on the scale.
Sunday brought an additional 8 inches of snow at Togwotee Pass. A winter storm warning is in effect for the area until 5 am on Tuesday February 18th.
“While the chances of triggering are low, it remains important to stack the odds in your favor by following safe travel protocol, the BTAC concludes. “Travel one at a time across steep terrain, use islands of safety, and communicate with your partners.”