Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Large avalanches failing on weak snow buried 1-3 feet are possible. Very steep, rocky, and wind affected terrain is where these avalanches are most likely. Obvious signs of unstable snow may not be present, so use conservative terrain choices away from terrain traps or slopes that hold higher consequences if triggered. Warm temperatures and clear skies will also create small wet loose avalanches on slopes facing the sun.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Hard slabs 1-3 feet deep lie above weak snow formed in early December. Deeper slabs with larger consequences exist in the upper elevations. As the likelihood of triggering an avalanche on these buried weak layers decreases over the time, the possibility remains. This includes triggering from a distance or below the slope. The last human triggered avalanche involving these weak layers occurred on January 4th and was remotely triggered from below. Slopes that contain thin, sensitive areas in the slab are the most likely places to impact these layers. Thin spots usually exist around very steep, rocky, and wind blown terrain features. Warming temperatures can also increase the reactivity of these persistent slab avalanches.

    Large triggers in the form of groups, trenching a snowmobile, and falling cornices will increase the odds of impacting these layers. Use safe travel practices in order to minimize your exposure to this problem. Travel one at a time across steep terrain, avoid dangerous terrain traps, and communicate plans with your group members throughout the day. 

    (1/13/2025)

    This photos shows an example of where you can trigger persistent weak layers. 

  • Loose Wet

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

    Warm temperatures and clear skies will create small wet loose avalanches. These avalanches are most likely on steep slopes directly facing the sun around rock features that warm surrounding snow surfaces. Although small, these avalanches can knock you off your feet. Seek colder, shaded terrain if you encounter the recent snow becoming wet. Roller balls and pinwheels are a clear indication of snow becoming wet and unstable.

Avalanche Discussion

Persistent slab avalanches are difficult to predict. Obvious signs of instability such as recent avalanches, collapsing, or shooting cracks may not be present before triggering an avalanche. Warming temperatures today can cause slight changes in the overlying slab above weak layers and increase the potential of triggering a persistent slab. Managing this type of problem requires conservative terrain selection. We can’t change the snowpack, but we can change the terrain we choose to ride. 

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