Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Buried weak layers remain the primary concern for avalanches as reactivity could increase with warm temperatures and wind loading recently. Less avalanche activity has been observed than the other forecast zones, but the poor snowpack structure makes human triggered avalanches possible. Use careful assessment of terrain in shallow, wind loaded and steep slopes. Dig down to test these weak layers before riding consequential terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Fresh wind slabs near ridgelines and exposed terrain have been formed recently less than 12 inches deep. S and W winds have deposited snow onto leeward terrain, which could remain reactive today. In addition, new snow accumulation today with strong SW winds could cover old slabs and form fresh slabs. Areas with wind slabs could also increase the chance of triggering a persistent slab. Look for obvious signs of instability such as cracking, stiffened surfaces, and drifts.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Weak layers are buried throughout the entire snowpack consisting of weak facets and crusts. The primary concern is the new/old snow interface buried Feb 18th. These soft and hard slabs range from 1-2 feet across all elevation and aspects. Deeper weak layers buried 2-3 feet also remain a concern due to the poor structure. Terrain with an increased likelihood of triggering one of these avalanches includes:

    • Shallow snowpack: Weaker buried layers of snow .
    • Wind-affected: Terrain where wind has formed firm, cohesive slabs of snow. 
    • Steep: Over 35° slopes. 

    Pay attention to signs of instability such as audible collapsing of the snowpack and monitor the effects of new snow and wind. Your best line of defense against a persistent slab problem is to dig a snowpit in a representative location and perform some stability tests such as an Extended Column Test.

Avalanche Discussion

Togwotee has not experienced nearly as much avalanche activity as the other Forecast Zones. This is due to the large difference in snowpack structure combined with significantly different weather patterns. Avalanche danger will remain at Moderate as the forecasted snowfall total today is only 3”. This does not mean triggering an avalanche is not possible. The snowpack structure here is still riddled with weak snow. Pay attention to that terrain discussed in the persistent slab problem to stay safe out there. There’s many unsuspected terrain traps that regularly catch riders off guard. Monitor the increased wind intensity forming fresh slabs and continue to dig down in the snow to identify weak layers before riding steep, consequential terrain.

 

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