Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Wind-drifted slopes at upper elevations remain the likely places to trigger an avalanche.  Use extra caution and avoid slopes where you find new or drifted snow deeper than a foot. These slides could be large enough to knock you off your feet or drag a rider into trees or gullies. Any cracking or collapsing indicates that you found an area with a newly formed slab. Storm conditions are expected to increase hazard overnight tonight. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Around 6-10" of snow have fallen at Togwotee. Moderate winds out of the southwest have likely formed sensitive soft slabs 8-12” deep in exposed terrain above 9,000’. These slabs are sitting on top of old, weak snow in terrain shaded from the sun and will be most sensitive in these locations. Dig down to see what lies below the newest snow. In addition, watch for signs of wind loading, including hollow-sounding snow, pillow features, and textured surfaces. Shooting cracks and collapsing indicate instability. Consider sticking to low angle and sheltered terrain if you observe these conditions. Avalanches below 9,000' are not expected today given the shallow conditions except for in isolated areas of very steep terrain such as Maverick Creek. Watch for rapidly changing snow conditions late today and overnight. 

     

    (12/15/2024)

    Around 16-20" of new snow is falling on a weak interface of older snow in the Snake. Observers noted cracking and collapsing. 

Avalanche Discussion

It's finally looking more winter, a nice change after several weeks of high pressure. The current challenge is that when it snows and blows, the avalanche danger goes up. Even with a shallower snowpack, like what typically exists at Togwotee, smaller snowfall amounts can tip the scales. Faceted snow is widespread on north-facing slopes, and crusts are present on south-facing terrain where snow is held. Preserved surface hoar has also been observed in some locations. We can still enjoy the snow by sticking to simple terrain and lower slope angles and ruling out steep, upper-elevation slopes that have seen more wind. Very steep, sheltered slopes--like those common to many of the terrain-trap features of Togwotee-- also need an extra dose of caution. The season is still young, and now is a great time to practice good habits that stick throughout the season, like checking slope angles in the field (and not just slope-angle shading on an app). Pay close attention to signs of instability, such as snowpack collapsing, cracking, and/or poor snowpack test scores. These will be surefire indicators that the new loading is bringing weaker snow close to the edge. Getting caught in even a small avalanche can have serious consequences, given the shallow conditions and numerous obstacles below the surface.

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