Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Triggering an avalanche is possible in some steep terrain, particularly as new snow and wind add stress to buried weak layers. The recent storm formed sensitive wind drifts and added weight to the existing weak snow.  Pay attention to signs of instability such as audible collapsing of the snowpack and cracking within wind drifted snow. Assess the snowpack carefully before entering steep alpine terrain that is connected to large slopes. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The Togwotee area has received up to 24" of snow in the past week. This snow has settled and formed a slab that in many areas could be triggered by a rider. When your tunnel digs deeply into the weak faceted snow below, you will have found the layer of concern. It's thought that these slabs could produce an avalanche up to 2' thick. Wind loaded zones around Breccia, Pinnacle Buttes or Lava, for example, could produce a thicker slab. 

    (3/1/2023)

    Riders at Togwotee triggered this avalanche from below the slope on a southerly aspect at the middle elevation.  The culprit is likely facets on crust, buried 1-2 feet deep, and remains very reactive. 

    Photo: Olivia Lane

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The recent snowfall was whipped by the wind into thicker slabs that are likely still sensitive to triggering. This is another avalanche problem which may grow more sensitive to triggering as temperatures warm today. These slabs could be 3 or more feet thick in areas with a large fetch. 

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