Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
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Highlights

Avalanche danger will increase by the afternoon. Natural and human-triggered wet loose avalanches will be possible on slopes facing the sun at middle and upper elevations. Avalanches involving deeper buried weak layers are unlikely. Watch for snow surfaces becoming wet, slushy, or unsupportable. Cornices have grown large; give them a wide berth today. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Clear skies combined with warmer temperatures will make wet loose avalanches likely by the afternoon. Higher elevations - where recent snow totals are larger - may be able to produce avalanches large enough to bury a person.  Steep slopes directly facing the sun will pose the greatest threat of avalanches. East-facing slopes will warm first, followed by south and then west aspects. Increased avalanche activity may occur near rock features where the surrounding snow surface heats up quickly. 

    Wet avalanches often start at a point and fan out, quickly entraining large amounts of snow. Snow from recent storms sits on a strong crust interface, allowing these slides to move quickly and far. Monitor the snow surface for signs of warming such as roller balls or snow shedding from rock features. Steer clear of slopes where snow has become wet, slushy, or unsupportable. Time your run or ride to be off slopes facing the sun before they become too warm.

    Cornices: Large cornices exist along many ridgelines. As temperatures increase, these cornices will become more sensitive and could fail without warning. Give ridgelines plenty of room, as cornices can break further back than expected. Avoid lingering on slopes where these large chunks of snow linger above. 

    (3/25/2025)

    An example of small wet loose slides initiating near trees and exposed rock

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Triggering a large avalanche on weak snow is unlikely. Weak layers of faceted snow exist in the middle of the snowpack and near the ground on most slopes. Avalanches involving these layers will be 2-3 feet deep and up to 5 feet deep on heavily wind-affected slopes. Signs of instability such as cracking, collapsing, or recent avalanches will likely not be present before triggering a large avalanche capable of propagating long distances. You're most likely to trigger an avalanche where the snowpack is thinnest. Very steep (>35°), rocky, convex terrain remains suspect. Multiple tracks on a slope do not indicate stability with this problem type. Manage your risk by limiting your time on very steep slopes previously loaded by the wind, and steer clear of any areas that appear visibly shallow or where it's easy to find the ground with your sled track.

Avalanche Discussion

Wind Slab: At upper elevations, isolated pockets of unstable wind-drifted snow may exist. These are most likely to exist near exposed ridgelines and below cornices. Earlier this week, fresh wind slabs were reactive but are probably well-bonded at this point. Even so, there is an outlier chance of finding a wind slab in very steep alpine terrain. If you find the snow quality changes to a stiffer or hollow-sounding nature, it's likely you found a pocket of wind-affected snow. Shooting cracks are also an obvious sign that the snow is unstable. Consider moving away from slopes where winds have created unstable pockets. Be more wary of wind slabs if you travel into more complex terrain where even a small slab can have large consequences. 

Wet loose avalanches were reported primarily on very steep terrain around rock or cliff features yesterday. Expect similar avalanche activity today, with larger avalanches on larger slopes. Skies are expected to remain clear today - be prepared for a higher likelihood of encountering wet loose avalanches as the snow transitions from dry to wet. The sun is strong in April and doesn't take long to affect snow surfaces. 

If you see avalanche activity today, please consider submitting an observation HERE. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. Thanks!

 

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