Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Triggering a large avalanche 2-3 feet deep is possible on steep slopes at all elevations. Watch for thin rocky areas and wind-affected snow. North facing slopes and those east of the Continental Divide contain weaker and shallower snow that is easier to trigger.

Two cornice failure incidents occurred yesterday, one of which resulted in a significant fall. Cornices are large and sensitive to triggering right now.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The persistent slab problem exists at all elevations and is most easily found on west through north through east aspects. Steep, rocky or wind-affected terrain should be approached with caution. Thin areas in the snowpack are where you are most likely to impact buried weak layers currently 2-3 feet below the surface. The best way to verify the location of weak layers is to dig or probe. When in doubt, choose lower-angle terrain and watch out for large slopes above you that could avalanche and run further than you expect.

    Cornices are growing and can break unexpectedly. Large cornices can act as large triggers and impact very deep weak layers. Warming temperatures can increase the triggering sensitivity of both cornices and slabs. Minimize time spent on slopes with cornices looming overhead.

     

    (2/20/2024)

    Recent rider-triggered activity at middle elevations of Togwotee Pass. 

    Photo: Gabrielle Antonioli

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs 1-2 feet thick can be found in isolated areas on multiple aspects at upper elevations and cornices have grown significantly in recent weeks.  While the wind slabs are several days old and the likelihood of triggering a wind slab is decreasing, they are still loading a weak layer of snow. Watch for stiff pillows and drifts around exposed terrain such as ridges, rocky areas, convexities and gullies. Shooting cracks and collapsing indicate unstable snow beneath you. Small avalanches can easily knock you off your feet above consequential features like cliffs and terrain traps. Travel in sheltered terrain to avoid this problem.

    Small wind slab avalanches or cornice fall has the potential to step down and impact deeper weak layers which could result in a large avalanche. Colder temperatures and clouds may be holding down the threat of cornice failure for now, but give ridgetop edges a wide berth.

    Large cornice formation above an east-facing slope. 

    Photo: Cameron Galt

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack on Togwotee remains weak.  While last week's snow helped to bury the February 2nd interface and other deeper weak layers, the structure is poor (stiff slab over facets) and still not very deep. We are several days out from the last significant loading event and the snowpack is still adjusting to the load. Your snowmachine or skis can still impact weak layers.  . A drive up to the pass will show you some recent slab avalanches (pictured below) that failed in these weak layers and are a good reminder to steer clear of steep slopes over terrain traps. The consequences of getting caught and carried into trees, rocks or gullies remain serious.

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