Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

It is possible to trigger an avalanche on a buried weak layer today. These avalanches could be large enough to bury a person in a terrain trap or push a rider into rocks that lie barely covered by our early-season snowpack. Be cautious when entering steep terrain and look for the thin, gray line of weak snow in snowpits. Collapsing or whumpfing is nature's signal that there is weak snow underfoot.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The main avalanche problem remains this weak layer in the snowpack where October snow developed weak crystals near or on the old surface.  The weak layer is buried more deeply in the Tetons but less so in Togwottee where it may be easier to trigger.  These slabs are likely to be 1-2’ thick and maybe up to 3’ thick along ridges where the wind has drifted snow. You can read more about this layer in recent observations from Togwotee, Targhee, and Teton Pass. 

    (11/9/2022) Skiers dug and performed stability test after experiencing widespread and loud collapes right out of the car on the way to Two Ocean.

Avalanche Discussion

Our early-season snowpack has grown substantially following the recent storm.  The new snow also created some complexity to the snowpack when it more deeply buried the surface hoar and near surface facets that grew during the dry period following the snowfall October 22-27.  Widespread collapsing along with some decent-sized avalanches two days ago triggered with explosives point to a reactive snowpack.  Low-angle slopes without many obstacles may be your best bet for skiing or riding though it's still a gamble with the thin snowpack. 

Weak layers evolve and heal at different rates depending on aspect, elevation, weather, and range. Understanding these patterns takes time, particularly in the early season, and requires diligence and monitoring. Snap a photo of any avalanches you see or make note of any collapses and cracking in the snow surface. Submitting snowpit data also helps us paint the picture of what is happening across our ranges. The more data we get,  the easier it is to collectively make safer decisions on where to play.

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