Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
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Highlights

It is possible for riders to trigger a large avalanche that fails on weak snow near the ground in steep terrain. In addition, triggering an avalanche in wind drifted snow is possible on steep, wind loaded slopes at the upper elevations. Carefully evaluate the terrain features where you are riding and give terrain traps a wide margin.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Weak snow that formed in December is buried 2-4 feet below hard slabs in the Togwotee Pass area. The weight of a single rider could impact these weak layers resulting in a large avalanche. Very steep shaded slopes and rocky wind affected areas are where this problem is at its worst. Caution is advised on and around slopes that are steeper than about 35 degrees. This is especially important on slopes that end in a terrain trap. Even a relatively small avalanche can bury a person deeply in a tight gully. Choosing terrain wisely and watching your slope angles is recommended today.

    A deep snowmobile triggered avalanche that occurred sometime in the past 5 days. Even small slopes can produce a dangerous avalanche if they are steep enough.

    NE facing at 8,700'

    (3/10/2024)

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs with depths up to 18 inches are still lingering in steep, wind loaded terrain at the upper elevations. These slabs have become less sensitive to human triggers over the past few days, however, triggering one of these slabs may still be possible on very steep slopes. Obvious signs of instability such as cracking or collapsing may not be present as you approach a wind loaded slope. Watch for stiff wind affected snow that may feel “punchy” if you probe or dig. 

    Cornice Falls: Cornices have grown large and failures are possible. Give cornices a wide margin and be careful along ridgelines as they can break further back than expected. Limit exposure under cornices, particularly in the afternoon. Cornice falls are the most likely way to trigger a very large persistent slab avalanche. Check out this observation highlighting recent Cornice Falls.

    (3/10/2024)

    A wide propagating avalanche on the north side of Radio Tower Peak.

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Weak, faceted snow persists at the base of the snowpack across the Togwotee Pass area. These weak layers were recently stressed by a significant amount of snowfall during the month of February. In many places, the snowpack nearly doubled in depth during this period. Many natural avalanches were reported and human triggered avalanches involving these weak layers have occurred in the past few days. As a result, steep slopes should be evaluated with caution and travel in terrain traps is not recommended. The snowpack is adjusting to the recent snowfall, but this takes time. For now, sticking to lower angle slopes is the safest option. Click here to see the recent avalanche events around Togwotee Pass.

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