Snowmobiler killed in Togwotee Pass area
by Pinedale Online!
February 28, 2012
The Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center reports that a snowmobiler was killed on Monday, February 27th, after triggering a slide while highmarking on Grouse Mountain in the Dry Lake Creek area near Togwotee Pass. It is the first avalanche fatality in Teton County this season. Skiers also triggered four slides in the Tetons.
Avalanche danger is rated as moderate. Above 7,500 feet, backcountry travelers could trigger recently developed wind slabs one to two feet in depth in very steep, wind loaded terrain. These slides might step down into older snow up to an additional three feet. Below 7,500 feet, avalanches are unlikely except in very steep, wind loaded terrain where skiers or riders might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of shallow wind slab.
There is 89" of snow reported above 9,300 feet on Commissary Ridge in the Wyoming Range. Blind Bull Meadows plot reports 87" of snow at 9,000 feet. The Box Y Ranch plot at 6,300 feet in the Grey’s River area of Wyoming Range reports 55" of snow.
A Pacific storm system will brush the region to the south on Tuesday and could bring an additional 5 to 10 inches of new snow by Tuesday evening. Westerly ridgetop winds will be light overnight before increasing during the day. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low teens before rising to near 20 in the afternoon. There will be a brief respite Tuesday night before the chance for snowfall increases Wednesday and into Thursday. The general avalanche hazard will rise as new snow and strong winds create new slabs and load existing weak layers.
Click here for daily avalanche reports for the Bridger-Teton National Forest: http://www.jhavalanche.org
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