Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Highlights

It will be possible to trigger small avalanches in steep upper elevation terrain today. Recent snow and winds are forming slabs up to 1 foot in depth that will be sensitive to the weight of a person. Avalanches up to 3 feet deep remain a lingering threat in very steep upper elevation terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak snow buried 1-3 deep remains a problem on Togwotee. It has been 3 weeks since an avalanche was triggered at these depths. Triggering is becoming less likely by the day. However, the consequences remain high. The most likely trigger points are in very steep upper elevation terrain exposed to the wind. Watch for areas that are on the boundary between wind scoured and wind loaded. Hedge your bets by minimizing exposure to this problem. Travel one at a time across steep terrain, re-group only in islands of safety and watch and communicate with your group throughout the day.

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

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow that fell yesterday (2-3”) is being redistributed by moderate winds this morning. Winds have shifted from west to east and are in the 20 mph range. This shift is helping to build slabs that will be sensitive to human triggers, especially as they are forming. Look out for signs of wind loading such as rounded, pillowed or stiff snow surfaces. Shooting cracks are an indicator that the snow is unstable. Wind slabs today will be less than a foot in depth. If travelling in the higher elevations, use caution around wind slabs. Triggering wind slabs today hold the potential to knock you off of your feet or machine and lose control. This becomes a more serious issue when travelling above terrain traps such as gullies, cliff bands and trees.

    (1/23/2025)

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

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

New snow problems today will be generally small in size. 2-3” of new snow that fell yesterday is being redistributed into pockets of wind slab in the upper elevations. Winds are out of the east, so expect to encounter these slabs in atypical places.

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. With the passage of time, settlement and layers adjusting to each other, this problem is moving towards a dormant phase. While it is unlikely to trigger an avalanche at these depths, it cannot be ruled out. The best way to manage this problem, aside from avoidance,  is to consistently follow safe travel protocols in steep terrain.

 

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