Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist today. Natural avalanche activity is possible and human triggered avalanches are likely on multiple aspects and elevations. Avoid steep terrain and be aware of what is above you, as avalanches have the potential to be triggered remotely and run long distances.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Snowmobilers and skiers can trigger slabs 1-3 feet in depth on a variety of aspects in steep terrain today. The potential for remote triggering exists. Because of this it is necessary to not only avoid steep terrain, but be alert to the possibility of triggering an avalanche from far away. Avalanches have the potential to propagate across large spans, including entire slopes. This was illustrated within the last day on Barber’s Point, where a natural avalanche released across the entire slope. Typical safe zones should be reconsidered when traveling below steep terrain. This includes terrain traps such as steep cutbanks and gullies. Give yourself a wide margin today to allow for surprises. These are unusual conditions and warrant respect. As temperatures rise during the day, expect avalanche potential to go up as well.

    (1/20/2024)

    This avalanche occured sometime between 4pm on Jan 19 and 8am on Jan 20th. SS-N-R4-D2-O. East aspect at 9,400 feet.

    Photo: Matthew Tousignant

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack has undergone significant change since Jan 4. Snowfall began on the 4th after a month with little to no precipitation.  Initial snowfall was associated with cold temperatures and minimal wind.  This helped to preserve well developed weak layers.  The rate of loading was slow enough at the outset of this period to keep avalanche activity to a minimum. As time wore on and the snow continued to stack on top of those weak layers, instability rose slowly.  The first reported activity in the Togwotee forecast zone was noted on Jan 7th. Over the past 3 days, there has been an uptick in avalanche activity. A combination of warm temperatures and poor snowpack structure has created unstable conditions. Expect more of the same today and give yourself an extra wide marign for error.

Regions covered