Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

It is possible for riders and skiers to trigger avalanches 1-3 feet deep in steep terrain today. The likelihood of triggering an avalanche is trending towards the lower end of the scale.  However, the consequences of getting caught may result in burial or injury.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The snowpack in the Togwotee area is generally shallow and weak.  Slabs that formed over the last two weeks sit on top of a foundation of weak sugary snow.  While it has been a week since the last loading event, the possibility still exists for an avalanche to be triggered.  Spots where the snowpack is thin such as steep and rocky upper elevation starting zones, are the most likely places to encounter this problem. Evaluate terrain carefully before committing and consider the consequences of being caught in an avalanche today. It is important to remain vigilant and approach terrain with suspicion.

Avalanche Discussion

The nature of a persistent slab problem is that it takes time for the problem to go away.  Weakness at the base of the snowpack was last stressed a week ago.  Since then, the likelihood of triggering has gradually diminished. Tests yesterday still showed the potential for avalanches to be triggered and be large enough to bury a person.  While trending towards “unlikely”, it is not there yet. 

Looking towards the future it is important to pay attention to the current snow surfaces.  Yesterday we observed widespread faceting and surface hoar development in sheltered terrain.  While not a problem today, this layer will be concerning once a new slab forms on top of it.

Regions covered