Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering a large avalanche that fails on weak layers buried 2-3 feet deep is possible in very steep terrain today. Wind loaded slopes at the upper elevations are most dangerous. Signs of instability, such as cracking or collapsing, may not present themselves prior to triggering. Conservative terrain choices and thorough snowpack evaluation are recommended today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Strong and sustained winds out of the west/southwest accompanied recent snowfall forming slabs up to a foot deep in wind loaded terrain at the upper elevations. These slabs will be difficult to trigger, but the chance remains in very steep, wind loaded start zones. Look for slab formation further down slope and in unusual locations given the recent wind speeds. Triggering a surface slab could step down deeper weak layers and result in a larger avalanche than expected.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak layers of snow formed in November are buried 2-3 feet deep beneath hard slabs. An avalanche was triggered two days ago on Barber’s Point involving these weak layers. It was triggered in very steep, north facing terrain that was wind loaded and highlights where this problem is most likely. These avalanches are also possible on all upper elevation aspects and shaded middle elevations. Remote triggering from gentle terrain above, below, or beside steep slopes is still possible. Shooting cracks and audible collapses are obvious signs of instability, but may not present themselves before triggering.

    (12/10/2025)

    The recently triggered avalanche on Barber's Point. This avalanche failed on weak snow formed in November.

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

The Togwotee region is coming out of a significant loading event. Heavy dense snow, extremely strong wings, and even some rain have dramatically changed the snowpack. The recent snow has turned into a dense slab that is overlying weak, faceted snow from November on slopes above 8,000’. Human triggered avalanches and reports of collapses two days ago point to unstable conditions. The snowpack has just undergone rapid change and weak layers need time to adjust to the recent load. The avalanche hazard will slowly decrease during the next few days without snow, but the adjustment process takes time. Conservative terrain choices are recommended for the time being.

Access to the mountains is difficult right now. But If you are out and about, please consider submitting an observation here. A photo of an avalanche or snow surface observation can make a big difference. Thank you!

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