Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Widespread weak layers under the new snow have created heads-up conditions. Triggering an avalanche will be possible in steep terrain. The consequences of getting caught and dragged through obstacles below the surface are high. Today, keep your slope angles low.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Storm totals on Togwotee were 10-12” with roughly 1” of SWE. This snow has fallen on weak, sugary snow and has bonded poorly. This sugary snow has created a persistent weak layer that we are seeing widespread collapsing and cracking on. Combined with old crusts on southerly aspects that are also not bonding well, we have a widely distributed problem. Look for buried stiff slabs built by strong winds before the storm. These will be found on W-NW-N-NE aspects around ridges and exposed terrain and could be up to 3 feet thick and buried by the recent storm. 

    Jumping off the sled and digging a quick hand pit can identify these layers. If you're skinning, probing down with your pole is a great way to feel weak facets or stiff slabs below the recent storm snow.  As you travel, watch for shooting cracks and whumpfing, sure signs of an unstable snowpack. Avoid steep rocky terrain and areas where the snowpack is thin and more easily triggered. As you approach large, connected slopes, remember that these avalanches can be triggered remotely or from below. Watch out for terrain traps (small, tight gullies, creek beds or other corridors below connected slopes) where even small avalanches can very quickly bury you.

    (12/4/2023)

    Widespread Shooting Cracks on Angle Mountain (Togwotee)

    Photo: Travis Baldwin

Avalanche Discussion

Temperatures are forecasted to get warm today. Cloudy skies look to dominate the area but if we get early clearing and things heat up with the sun, the avalanche hazard will rise, especially on solar aspects. Manage your slope angle (keep it low) and if the sun pops out, watch for rollerballs, whumphing, shooting cracks or other signs of an unstable snowpack and avoid warming slopes.

The snowpack on Togwotee is still very thin. Check your speeds when riding in suspect areas and remember that many obstacles are lurking just below the surface.

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