Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Poor snowpack structure is widespread where you can trigger an avalanche on recent snow or deeper weak layers buried 2-3 feet below the surface. Dangerous conditions will be found in the upper elevations on previously wind loaded terrain. Avoid steep slopes over 30° to easily manage these problems.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Togwotee has a poor snowpack structure where soft slabs 1-2 feet deep lie directly on persistent weak layers. Deeper weak layers 2-3 feet below the surface are still a major concern as well. Triggering an avalanche on recent snow or stepping down to deeper weak layers is very possible. The highest likelihood will be on wind loaded terrain (NW-SE aspects) where recent snow has formed into a more firm, cohesive slab. Look for signs of wind drifted snow such as distinct hardness changes, cracking, large pillows/drifts, and altered snow surface texture. Steer clear of terrain off ridgelines that have been wind loaded as well as terrain traps such as large creeks and gullies.

    Watch for increased reactivity of recent snow on southerly aspects as the sun heats up snow surfaces by this afternoon. 

    Double propagation!

    Photo: Noah McCorkel

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack has had a bit of time to adjust to the recent load of snow but you can still find dangerous conditions on the specific terrain explained above. As you can see we have transitioned from a storm slab to persistent slab problem. There are two main weak layers that are a concern at Togwotee. The interface right below 18-20” of recent snow and the weak sugary facets found deeper in the middle or base of the snowpack. There is a lot of uncertainty in how recent snow is stressing those deeper weak layers. For this reason it is extremely important to use this information as a baseline, and assess the stability of the snowpack for yourself. Dig down, hit small test slopes, and perform proper stability tests to gain more information to make better decisions in the mountains today.

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