Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Triggering an avalanche is still possible on weak, sugary snow near the base of the snowpack. Steep and rocky terrain where thin, weak spots in the snowpack are most reactive will be the biggest concern today. Identify terrain traps (such as creek and gullies) and ride lower angle terrain while these layers adjust to the current load.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The persistent slab problem exists in locations where snow has been preserved since November forming a weak layer that is now buried 1-3 feet deep below firm, cohesive slabs. As this problem trends more stubborn adjusting to the current load, the possibility still exists to trigger an avalanche. The best way to manage this problem is to choose terrain away from steep, rocky, and complex slopes where you are most likely to encounter those thin and sensitive areas of the snowpack. Riding across one of those thin, sensitive areas could collapse the weak layer and trigger a large/destructive avalanche.

    (12/21/2023)

    Here is a good example of the terrain where triggering a persistent slab is most likely. 

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

Avalanche Discussion

This persistent slab problem is becoming trickier by the day. Unlike other avalanche problems, the time it takes for persistent slab problems to go away can be long and drawn out. There’s also a false sense of security attached to these problems as avalanche activity decreases and stability test results increase. But the potential still exists and should not be ignored. If you value your time in the mountains, you should value the unpredictable nature of these types of avalanches and continue to play it safe.

In addition snow coverage remains thin, so be aware of obstacles lurking just beneath the snow surface.

Regions covered