Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Generally stable avalanche conditions exist. Continue to use safe travel techniques and consider the consequences in the unlikely event that you trigger a persistent slab avalanche in very steep, rocky terrain. 

A Winter Storm Warning will go into effect this afternoon until Sunday evening. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak snow remains buried 1-3 feet on Togwotee. While it is unlikely you will trigger an avalanche on this weak layer, consequences remain high. It has been 4 weeks since an avalanche was reported at these depths. The most likely trigger points are in very steep upper-elevation terrain exposed to the wind. Wind-affected areas and rocky outcrops often hide thin spots in the snowpack where buried weak layers are easier to trigger. Signs of instability, such as snowpack cracking or collapsing, may not be present before triggering a persistent slab avalanche. Evaluate terrain for locations where the snowpack is thin. Sheltered terrain that is not affected by the sun and wind will hold the best and safest riding.

     

     

    (1/16/2025)

    An example of terrain where persistent slab avalanches are most likely.

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Today is the first day Togwotee has received a "LOW" danger rating across all elevations. Remember that low danger does not mean no danger. Continue to use safe travel habits, and identify terrain features of concern where a persistent slab is most likely to be triggered. The consequences of triggering an avalanche remain the same as before. 

This low danger will not persist. An approaching storm system arrives this evening bringing up to 2 feet of snow to upper elevations by the end of the weekend. As this system moves into the region, light snowfall and increasing  SW winds are expected this afternoon. Pay attention to changing conditions today. Temperatures are cooler today at high elevations - combined with developing clouds, the small wet avalanches we've seen on steep southern aspects should subside. In the late afternoon, high elevations may start to see light wind transport. 

The last two and a half weeks have been mostly dry, with plenty of sunshine, cold (and warm) temperatures, and wind. These conditions have created a variety of snow conditions at and near the surface. Extensive faceting exists in shady, sheltered locations, hard windboard exists in exposed areas, and surface hoar exists in some locations. Multiple crusts have formed on southwest through southeast slopes exposed to the sun. Most of this equates to an increase in avalanche activity during and after the next storm that will arrive tonight. Regardless of the snow totals, expect avalanche activity and increased danger this weekend. Create a mental model of where these current conditions exist and how that will affect danger this weekend.

If you see avalanche activity today, I ask that you please consider submitting an observation HERE. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. Thanks!

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