Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist on steep, wind loaded slopes adding stress to buried weak layers in the upper elevations. Watch for obvious signs of fresh wind loading such as cracking or stiffened snow surfaces. Large and consequential avalanches are most likely to trigger on steep, shaded aspects that harbor the deepest and weakest snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak layers formed in November are buried 2-3 feet deep beneath hard slabs. These weak layers are most pronounced on NW-N-NE-E aspects, but should not be ruled out on other upper elevation aspects and shaded middle elevations. Increasing temperatures yesterday and today can significantly influence the overlying slab of buried weak layers and increase sensitivity to triggering large avalanches. The highest concern remains slopes that have been rapidly loaded by the wind adding stress to the snowpack.

    Be aware that triggering a large avalanche with low snow coverage increases the consequences of exposing rocks and hazardous obstacles.

    An avalanche near the top of Togwotee pass failing on a buried persistent weak layer.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong, westerly wind combined with recent snow has formed fresh soft wind slabs 1-2 feet deep in upper elevations. As mentioned above, these wind slabs could step down to buried weak layers to trigger larger avalanches. These wind slabs are most likely on open and exposed terrain to the wind above 9,000’ off leeward ridgelines and cross-loaded slopes and gullies.

    Here is a great example of a small wind loaded test slope to determine the reactivity of recent snow. 

Avalanche Discussion

A strong wave of warm Pacific moisture produced several inches of heavy, dense snow on Togwotee pass yesterday. Changing weather conditions should warrant a wide margin of safety as we deal with a weak, early season snowpack. You can stack the odds in your favor by looking for clear signs of obvious wind loading such large drifts or changes in snow texture. The persistent slab problem is more difficult to manage as obvious signs of instability will not be present. Dig down and assess these weak layers, or avoid steep slopes altogether. 

Be aware that low snow coverage exists across much of the terrain on Togwotee. Travel conditions have improved significantly since the snow has settled and become more supportable. Snow stations and observations are reporting snow depths of only 2 feet in many places, so keep your tips up and watch those A-arms on your sleds.

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