Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
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Highlights

Triggering a large avalanche on weak snow near the ground is possible today. Triggering a small avalanche in wind effected terrain at upper elevations is also possible. The likelihood of triggering is greatest in steep, rocky terrain or areas with wind drifted snow. Be mindful of terrain traps below you even beneath small slopes. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    The persistent slab problem exists on all elevations and all aspects at Togwotee Pass. Weak snow from a prolonged drought in December has been buried 2-4 feet deep. This weak snow can be impacted by the weight of a single rider but not necessarily the first rider on a slope. This problem is most sensitive on steep, rocky, and wind-affected slopes that face west through north through east (the north half of the compass rose). Be increasingly cautious in steep terrain and give yourself room to be wrong about slope angles or stability. Many slopes have tracks on them but realize that you can can still trigger an avalanche there. Snowpacks and weak layers change and thin spots remain on those slopes.

    (3/10/2024) A deep snowmobile triggered avalanche that occurred sometime in the past week, well after any new snow fell. NE facing slope at 8,700'.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Wind slabs have become less sensitive over the last several days. Watch for wind drifts and stiff wind-affected areas around exposed terrain. Shooting cracks may or may not occur as a sign of instability. If you find any signs of wind affect, consider moving to more wind sheltered terrain. Wind slabs also strain the weak layers of sugary facets noted above.

    Cornices have grown large. Minimize time spent on slopes with cornices looming overhead. Cornices can break unexpectedly and tend to crack further back along the ridge than you might expect. Cornice falls act as very large triggers and are the most likely way to trigger a persistent slab avalanche.

    (3/12/2024) Both sides of this east/west running ridge on Grouse Mountain were wind loaded and had avalanched. Cornices are a great indicator of wind effect.

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack structure remains poor in the Togwotee Pass zone with crusty snow surfaces and firm settled snow on slopes and meadows that see sunshine.  Weak layers near the base of the snowpack lie under a hard slab of snow that grew in thickness over the last month. Within the last week, multiple natural and human-triggered avalanches were observed as a result of this increased loading. Continue to evaluate steep slopes carefully, especially if they are rocky,  wind affected or will carry you into a terrain trap. 

Due to warming temps and increased sunshine, it’s time to add one more hazard to the problem list. The first grizzly of the spring was spotted in Yellowstone over the weekend. The likelihood of finding this hazard remains low, but the consequences of close encounters are high. Watch for grizzly tracks, or carcasses where they may be feeding or lounging nearby and consider adding bear spray to your list of safety gear.

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