Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Riders have the potential to trigger a large, destructive avalanche that fails on buried weak layers in very steep terrain today. Triggering smaller wind slabs is also possible in very steep, wind loaded terrain above 9,000’. Carefully evaluate the snowpack for buried weak layers and avoid consequential terrain features today.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak snow that formed in November is buried 2-5 feet below the surface in most shady terrain above 8,000’. While the likelihood of triggering an avalanche involving these layers is on the low end of the scale today, it is not out of the question. Shallow, rocky, and wind affected slopes are where riders have the greatest chance of triggering. Large triggers such as groups gathering in close proximity also increase the likelihood of impacting buried weak layers. Avalanches involving old snow from November will be large and show no warning signs before triggering. Traveling one at a time and avoiding suspect terrain is the best way to avoid this problem for the time being. 

    A rider had a very close call December 31, 2025. This avalanche illustrates the difficulty in pinpointing where you can trigger deeper weak layers. Note that this seems to be a shallow area, making it easier to trigger a weak layer.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The Togwotee region has received about 6 inches of new snow in the past 48 hours with half of that coming in the past 24. Moderate winds out of southwest/west have redistributed that snow and formed soft slabs up to a foot deep above 9,000’. These slabs may be sensitive to the weight of a rider in very steep, wind loaded terrain. An additional 3-6 inches of snow is possible today with winds increasing and shifting to the northwest. Wind slabs could grow in size and distribution if the region receives the upper end of forecasted amounts.

    Watch for shooting cracks as a clear sign of unstable, wind drifted snow. 

     

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