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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Highlights

Human triggered avalanches remain possible at ALL ELEVATIONS today. Lingering wind slabs are the primary concern in the alpine. On southerly aspects recent storm slabs and persistent slabs could activate with solar input today. Of particular concern are steep, unsupported slopes on the southern half of the compass that are in and around large cliff bands. Monitor the effects of the sun on the snow surface, and pay attention to signs of instability within wind affected snow such as cracking. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Lingering beneath a hard slab lies weak layers buried 2-3’. The Feb 18th layer is our main concern.  This layer is composed of a facet, crust combination found on solar aspects. Many areas of Togwotee also harbor weak, sugary facets across all aspects. New snow and fresh wind slabs will stress these buried weak layers and increase the chance of triggering a large avalanche. 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.

    Mocassin Basin 9500' E aspect

    Photo: Cory Beattie

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Stubborn wind slabs that are 1-2 feet deep exist on many aspects at the middle and upper elevations. These slabs are primarily 4F to 1F in hardness and rest on top of fist-hard decomposing snow from the powder cycle prior to the storm. 

     

Avalanche Discussion

1 inch of new snow fell within the last 24 hours in the Togwotee zone, but it occured early yesterday morning. Winds have averaged 13 mph out of the SW with 288 total miles recorded at Lava. Temperatures currently range from single digits to the mid teens  in the valleys and are in the single digits on the peaks. 

Recent avalanche activity has included persistent slabs up to size 2 with crown depths ranging from 1-5 feet.

The recent atmospheric river event left up to 6 inches of snow at the upper elevations of Togwotee in a 72 hr window. Very strong and sustained SSW winds hammered the upper elevations. Western Wyoming is under a short wave ridging pattern with snow showers returning later this evening. 

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