2011/12 Togwotee snow conditions

[dejoli]

Been here since late Tuesday night. Snow has been excellent. We hired 3c Guiding to show us around and couldn't be happier with the decision. Never have to think about where we are and we've found a ton of deep untouched snow. Cameron helped give us pointers on how not to suck so bad at riding as well as have found us exactly what we were looking to ride.

Overall, snow that we've seen is in the 4'+ deep. not all powder, but trying to walk on it, you quickly find out deep it is. (or when you trench it!)

Two more days of riding left for us.

 

[skidooboy]

how is the avy danger? have you saw many natural slides? ski

 

[dejoli]

We saw a couple slides post slide. One on one of the main trails.

Also one of the guys in our group triggered one as well with a basic side hill. Slide right behind him.

We've just avoided areas of concern.

 

[catweasel]

Avy danger is still pretty bad, but the snowpack has stablized some. Driving around the valley, over the pass, or down through the Canyon, you can see a bunch from just the road. Some are pretty damn big too. Most seem to have 2-3 ft crowns, but some have gone all the way to the bottom with much bigger crowns. Seems two different types of Avy's. One is sliding on rotten hoar with 2-3 ft crowns and others go all the way to the ground taking the fresh snow with the hoar.

Most of the ones I have seen have been on east and north facing slopes. South and west facing slopes seem to be holding the snow better.

I haven't heard of anyone climbing anything right now. I know of a couple of people who have been in slides last week on small stuff you wouldn't think would slide. Doesn't matter whether it is a 2-3 foot crown or a big one, both call kill. Still best to stay off the steep stuff right now.

Sucks for me as I am a climber at heart.

Looks like another storm coming in Monday through Tuesday.

 

[etimmy22]

Came out for the first time ever. Rode 25th-28th and it was great. Found great untouched snow. Meadows are endless out here. Have been riding Island Park for years but this could be a new favorite. Cant wait to come out again.

 

[Garrelts]

quick video from this weekend it was deeeep!!! rode both days with lefty and it was great he took us to some awsome places and we had untouched snow all day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqGjnYhLCmA

 

[garypuento]

going to be at togwotte lodge feb 8 -12

How is the snow, any fresh recently? First time there for me.

 

[skidooboy]

we will be there the 6-10th, the snow looks to be settling some. snotel shows 62-58 inches right now, should have more up top. looks like tomorrow and friday they are to get some more.

the guides will have plenty of over the hood, fresh powder spots for all of us.


2 more sleeps, then the long 30 hour drive to the promised land. ski

 

[goridedoo]

A few pictures off the cell phone from the weekend of the 20th..

 

[garypuento]

Nice pics was that close to the lodge? We have a guide from the lodge for the first day. skidooboyedk, maybe you could fill us in where to go play the other days.

 

[fastmnstealth]

8 of us are leaving from Mpls Friday night. Should arrive around 6pm Sat. We have a guide for Monday. Will be there through the 11th. Hope to see you guys out there!!

 

[skidooboy]

huge storm heading out of colorado into nebraska, and iowa. going to skirt it and take 90 v.s running through the teeth of the storm on 80.

calling for 10-15" in north platte, 6-10 in omaha. those of you comming from iowa and nebraska, drive safe.

we leave tomorrow afternoon. hopefully pulling into dubois saturday late afternoon or evening. riding on sunday!!!! cant wait. ski

 

[catweasel]

Riding the Grey's in Alpine about an hout south of Togwotee tomorrow. Will give an update.

Looks like we are going to hit 5-7 days of sunny weather. Ought to stabilize the snow pack more. Haven't heard of any Avy's in the last few. days. Things are stabilizing and getting better in the Avy department. Still, be careful and safe.

 

[Fiddy]

Where's the best place to stay for the money

 

[catweasel]

Where? Jackson, Togwotee or Alpine?

 

[Fiddy]

tog

 

[dejoli]

tog

Lava

 

[catweasel]

Got an epic ride in yesterday. 40 miles of stump bashing, tight tree banging, steep and deep boondocking, ridge riding on the Grey's. Rode the never before accomplished Porcupine Creek to Middle Ridge to Little Greys loop. Man, I am sore as hell.

Anyway, snow conditions were good. Hero snow. 5-7 inches of fresh, light powder on top of some denser snow. Not crust, just dense. You really didn't bust through it much. Enough powder to carve. Didn't see a single new avy, but still stayed off the steep stuff as much as we could. I prefer bottomless powder, but was pleased with current conditions.

Greys is about an hour south of Togwotee so I would think conditions would be the same up there.

 

[blindpark]

Thanks for the update!

 

[Fiddy]

booked rooms @ togwotee mountain lodge for feb 15-19 so keep the snow reports coming thanks