Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Recent snow accompanied by moderate westerly winds formed slabs and stressed buried weak layers. Triggering an avalanche will be possible today, especially in areas that contain a combination of lingering wind slabs above those weak layers. Careful terrain assessment will be required to identify previously wind loaded terrain and monitor for increased reactivity on slopes that receive sun. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Deep weak layers buried in February and even earlier pose a serious threat across all elevations and aspects. Slab depths will range 2-3 feet with larger slabs possible in the upper elevations. These layers are composed of crusts, facets, and depth hoar. Wind loaded terrain is the biggest concern, as triggering one could step down to those buried weak layers.

    (3/19/2023) Persistent slab layer highlighted by propagating results during stability tests. 

    9600' SE aspect

    Photo: Drinkard

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Sustained W/SW winds above 20 mph two days formed soft wind slabs. These slabs will still be reactive today in the upper elevations, as they lie above a poor, weak interface buried March 20th. Slabs depths will be 1-2 feet deep. Areas with the highest likelihood of triggering will be on leeward and cross loaded exposed terrain below cliffs and confined features such as couloirs. Look for obvious signs of instability such as cracking, stiffened or ripple surfaces, and drifts.

Avalanche Discussion

Entrenchment

Poor snowpack structure continues to haunt Togwotee as weak layers buried in February and even earlier will warrant careful terrain assessment. Recent snow from this last storm cycle has added stress to these layers, especially in wind loaded terrain. Continue to be patient and choose terrain based on this low probability, high consequence scenario. Avoid terrain traps and complex terrain with large start zones and avalanche paths.

Regions covered