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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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering an avalanche large enough to bury you is possible today on steep slopes. Upper elevation, wind affected terrain is where you'll find the most unstable snow.  Seek out sheltered mid-elevation terrain but watch for cracking, collapsing and signs of wind effect on the snow as you travel.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    A very weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below the ~16" of snow that fell in the area since December 4th. This weak layer caused a number of natural and human triggered avalanches across our forecast areas yesterday. Some were triggered remotely with long, shooting cracks and collapsing reported on slopes not quite steep enough to avalanche. The warning signs are painfully clear that our snowpack is primed to avalanche.

    (1/10/2024)

    This slab failed on the weak layer of buried surface hoar that is so widespread across this zone.

    Photo: Frank Carus

Avalanche Discussion

Alex and I rode near West Angle yesterday and observed long shooting cracks well above us whenever we approached when small slopes approaching 30 degrees. These cracks reached down to the layer of buried surface hoar 16 inches beneath the surface.  We avoided steeper slopes on shady aspects, even riverbanks and you should consider doing the same today. The long dry spells which affected the region were unusual and historic creating one of the worst snowpack that long-time locals have seen. Avalanche conditions are also probably unlike anything you've ridden in here, so extra caution isn't just a good idea, it may save your life.

Please send us your observations from your ride today. All observations help us write more accurate forecasts!

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