Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Highlights

It will be possible to trigger small avalanches in steep upper elevation terrain today. Recent snow and winds have formed isolated pockets of slabs up to 1 foot in depth that will be sensitive to the weight of a person or snowmobile. Avalanches up to 3 feet deep remain a lingering threat in very steep upper elevation terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak snow buried 1-3 deep remains a lingering and isolated problem on Togwotee. It has been 3 weeks since an avalanche was triggered at these depths. Triggering is becoming less likely by the day. However, the consequences remain high. The most likely trigger points are in very steep upper elevation terrain exposed to the wind. Watch for areas that are on the boundary between wind scoured and wind loaded. Hedge your bets by minimizing exposure to this problem. Travel one at a time across steep terrain, re-group only in islands of safety and watch and communicate with your group throughout the day.

    An example of terrain where persistent slab avalanches are most likely.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    New snow that fell two days ago (2-3”) was redistributed by moderate winds yesterday. Winds shifted from west to east and were in the 20 mph range. That shift built isolated pockets of slab that will be sensitive to human triggers today. It will take steep terrain, at least over 35 degrees, to get wind slabs to move downhill.

    Look out for signs of wind loading such as rounded, pillowed or stiff snow surfaces. Shooting cracks are an indicator that the snow is unstable. Wind slabs today will be less than a foot in depth. If travelling in the higher elevations, use caution around ridgelines and exposed leeward slopes where wind slabs form. Triggering a wind slab today holds the potential to knock you off of your feet or lose control of your snowmobile. This becomes a more serious issue when travelling above terrain traps such as gullies, cliff bands and trees.

    (1/23/2025)

    Shooting cracks and rippled snow surfaces indicate signs of instability on wind loaded terrain. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Weak snow that formed in early December remains at the base of the snowpack. These weak layers produced avalanches in early January, with one unfortunately resulting in a fatality. With the passage of time, settlement and layers adjusting to each other, this problem is moving towards a dormant phase. While it is unlikely to trigger an avalanche at these depths, it cannot be ruled out. The best way to manage this problem, aside from avoidance, is to consistently follow safe travel protocols in avalanche terrain.

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