Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Highlights

Recent snow and wind have resulted in slab avalanche problems that could involve just recent snow, particularly where it is wind affected,  or involve older weak layers that are buried within the snowpack.  Pay attention to signs of instability such as feeling or hearing collapse of the snowpack and watch for areas around ridges or cliffs that appear to be freshly loaded.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    New snow continues to add stresses to old weak snow layers.  Any area where you can feel your track break through to sugary snow well below the surface is a blatent sign that this weakness exists. Skiers are more likely to feel collaps of the snowpack. Slabs involving these buried weaknesses could be triggered by a single person finding the right spot on a slope or by the release of a smaller wind slab. If triggered they could be hard or soft in character and have depths to over 3 feet. 

    (3/1/2023)

    Riders at Togwotee triggered this avalanche from below the slope on a southerly aspect at the middle elevation.  The culprit is likely facets on crust, buried 1-2 feet deep, and remains very reactive. 

    Photo: Olivia Lane

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Varying winds, most recently from the south, have formed slabs that may be reactive to human triggering today.  Wind direction is to veer to the west today. This will redistribute some of the fresh suface snow and could change the location and increase the sensitivity of this hazard. If triggered, these slabs will be soft and could have depths from 6 to 24 inches. 

    Other new snow hazards such as loose snow sluffing and storm slabs could also occur today on very steep slopes, particularly as elevation decreases and terrain is less effected by ridgeline winds. 

Avalanche Discussion

The Moderate rating is not a go light to travel anywhere you want. Be thoughtful and approach all terrain wondering if this is one of the places that can slide. The amount of new snow alone warrants conservative terrain choices and avoiding very steep areas with terrain traps and exposure. 

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