Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
No rating
Below
No rating
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Highlights

Today, it will be possible to trigger an avalanche in steep terrain above 9,000’. These avalanches may occur in wind drifted new snow or stiff old slabs. Early season snow coverage is low, increasing the chances of traumatic injury if caught in an avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    An additional 2 inches of snow fell overnight bringing three day storm totals to 10-12 inches around Togwotee Pass. Winds have remained consistent, blowing in the high teens and low twenties (mph) out of the southwest. The new snow has fallen on a variety of weak surfaces including crusts, facets, old wind slabs, and bare ground. Triggering 1-2 foot deep wind slabs will be easiest in steep wind loaded terrain that held snow prior to this storm. Warmer temperatures today may also make these wind slabs more sensitive to human triggers. Triggering a wind slab is unlikely in areas where the new snow has fallen on bare ground.

    Careful evaluation of terrain is recommended due to the high variability of the snowpack. Watch for cracking and collapsing, especially in windy areas, as they are obvious signs of instability. This photo submitted yesterday is a good example of current unstable conditions in wind loaded terrain. Getting caught in even a small avalanche can easily result in traumatic injury due to many obstacles that are currently exposed.

    (11/24/2023)

    Wind slab propogated roughly 250', ran 30' and had a crown depth of 1 foot up to almost 4.5 feet

    Photo: Travis Baldwin

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Stiff slabs overlaying weak old snow exist above 10,000’. These slabs will most likely be found on north, northwest, and west facing slopes. New snow accumulation from the current storm will likely obscure surface clues making old slabs difficult to identify. Probing for snow depths can help identify these slabs as depths will jump drastically from 1-2 feet to well over 3 feet in terrain harboring old slabs. Additionally, it may be noticeably more difficult to push a ski pole through these stiff slabs than the surrounding snowpack. While evaluating the snowpack can help identify problem areas, the best way to avoid triggering a persistent slab avalanche is to avoid steep rocky terrain in the upper elevations.

    (11/24/2023)

    Note the upper wind slab that stepped down to the facets at the ground

    Photo: Travis Baldwin

Avalanche Discussion

Overall, the snowpack on Togwotee Pass remains shallow. Many south and east facing slopes were stripped bare prior to this storm. Obstacles such as rocks and trees may be lurking just under the surface. Travel on skis is just starting to become possible in most areas. Snowmobilers will likely want to stick to open meadows and roads due to the thin coverage. Careful terrain evaluation and decision making is advised if traveling to upper elevations. Sheltered low angle slopes will likely provide the best skiing and riding conditions.

 If recreating in the backcountry today, please consider submitting an observation here. Observations improve our understanding of the snowpack and help us craft better forecasts.

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