Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Avalanches up to 3 feet deep remain a lingering threat in steep upper-elevation terrain. Isolated pockets of wind-drifted snow could also cause small avalanches on slopes steeper than 35°. Evaluate steep slopes carefully where drifted snow or weak layers could be impacted by the weight of a rider.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak snow remains buried 1-3 feet deep. It has been 3 weeks since an avalanche was reported failing on weak snow at the ground. It is unlikely that you will trigger a large avalanche, but the consequence remains high. The most likely trigger points are in very steep upper-elevation terrain exposed to the wind where thin spots exist and impacting the buried weak layers is easier. Traveling one at a time through suspect terrain and only regrouping in safe areas will minimize your exposure.

    An example of terrain where persistent slab avalanches are most likely.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs up to 12” thick exist in isolated pockets of steep terrain at upper elevations. These slabs are becoming more stubborn and difficult to trigger but could still catch you off guard in wind loaded areas. It will take steep terrain, at least over 35 degrees, to get wind slabs to move downhill. Look for rounded pillows and shooting cracks around cliffs, ridges, gullies and other terrain where even a small avalanche could have consequences.

    (1/23/2025)

    Shooting cracks and rippled snow surfaces indicate signs of instability on wind loaded terrain. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Weak snow that formed in early December remains at the base of the snowpack. These weak layers produced avalanches in early January, with one unfortunately resulting in a fatality. The snowpack is continuing to adjust to the current load. The more time without loading, the less chance there is of triggering an avalanche. There are sled tracks all over Togwotee right now on a variety of steep terrain, and no recent signs of avalanche. Remember that while the likelihood is decreasing, the consequence of a large avalanche remains the same - injury, burial or worse. Continue to approach gullies and terrain traps cautiously, where it only requires a small avalanche to bury you.

If you see avalanche activity today, please consider submitting an observation HERE. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. Thanks!

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