Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. New snowfall and wind are stressing a weak and shallow snowpack. You are likely to trigger an avalanche today on most steep slopes, both in areas where the wind has built drifts and in areas sheltered. Avalanches can be triggered remotely—from below, above, and to the sides of steeper terrain.  

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    All aspects (shaded and sunny) at all elevations are suspect, and only the lowest elevation slopes that were bare ground before have escaped this problem. Slabs could be triggered from a distance or wait until you have committed to the slope to release. The 1+ foot of new snow that has fallen in the past 72 hrs is not sticking well to the old snow surfaces—which consisted of facets, crusts, and surface hoar. Shifting temperatures and time have helped to consolidate the storm snow into a more cohesive slab. Slabs will be thicker, stiffer, and more dangerous in terrain where these two avalanche problems overlap. Any storm slab that releases could break within the newest snowfall, or on the weak snow buried deeper in the snowpack.

     

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Snowfall and consistent winds built slabs overnight. Expect to find wind drifts 2+ feet thick in terrain exposed to the wind throughout the course of the day. These slabs will be easy to trigger today and create avalanches large enough to bury a person. Additional snowfall and wind this morning and into the afternoon will help these slabs grow in size and distribution. Natural avalanches are possible in upper-elevation terrain; pay attention to the terrain above you. 

     

     

    (12/16/2024)

    New snow sitting on weak, faceted grains.

    Photo: Travis Baldwin

Avalanche Discussion

Today is a day to take a few big steps back. Even very experienced riders can be taken by surprise in these types of conditions. It can be hard to wrap our heads around the types of avalanches failing during multi-day storms like this one. Today, remember that stepping onto your sled or boards today is stepping into considerable danger. We find ourselves still amid a large storm with a larger avalanche cycle likely occurring but obscured by poor visibility. More evidence of instability than we think exists, buffed away by the more snow and wind for us never to witness. A second pulse of heavy winds set to hit tomorrow will give this snowpack (and our avalanche eyes) no rest. All steep terrain needs to be looked at with a fresh lens today. This means dialing back slope angles, even in terrain that feels more familiar, & recognizing the consequences of even a small avalanche in that terrain. Steep terrain traps and creek drainages holding old snow should be regarded cautiously.

Regions covered