Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Human triggered avalanches 1-4 deep are likely in steep terrain today. These avalanches can be triggered remotely from above, below, or next to slopes over 30°. Steep, rocky, and wind affected slopes should be avoided. This includes tight gullies with steep walls. The safest and best riding can be found on sheltered terrain less than 30°.

Yesterday, one skier died and another was injured in an avalanche that occurred near Togwotee Pass. The avalanche center staff sends our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and rescuers involved in this tragic event.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Triggering a dangerous avalanche involving buried weak layers is likely today in steep terrain above 30°. Weak snow that formed in early December is now buried 1-2 feet deep in many locations and up to 4 feet deep in wind-loaded upper elevation terrain. Avalanches involving these weak layers have been reported on most aspects at all elevations. Obvious signs of instability may not be present prior to triggering a persistent slab avalanche. These avalanches can be triggered remotely from below and propagate long distances across slopes making escape difficult. Remote triggers were reported as recently as yesterday. 

    It is important to carefully evaluate your travel plan when avalanches are behaving like this. Avoid traveling under steep terrain. Also, give tight gullies and other terrain traps a wide margin. The consequences of triggering even a small avalanche can be serious in these features. Persistent slab problems take time to heal. For the time being, riding low angle terrain that is less than 30° with no significant overhead hazard is the best way to avoid this problem.

    Recent observations and avalanche reports from Togwotee Pass can be found here.

    A remotely triggered persistent slab avalanche that occurred yesterday in Carmichael Creek.  SW facing @ 7300'

    1/4/2025

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack structure in the majority of terrain around Togwotee Pass is poor. The snow from the last week of storms has settled into a cohesive slab that is sitting on top of weak, faceted snow. In many places, these slabs are thin enough that the weight of a human, on skis or a sled, can easily impact the buried weak layers and trigger an avalanche. Remote triggers and widely propagating avalanches are obvious signs of an unstable snowpack. Persistent slab problems take time to heal. Patience and conservative decision making will be required for the foreseeable future if traveling in the backcountry around Togwotee Pass.

 Please consider submitting an observation HERE. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. Thank you.

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