Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

It remains possible for riders to trigger a large avalanche that fails on weak snow buried near the ground. Triggering a small avalanche in wind-affected terrain at upper elevations is also possible. The danger is highest in steep, rocky, and exposed terrain. Evaluate this terrain carefully and steer clear of terrain traps.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The persistent slab problem exists on all elevations and all aspects at Togwotee Pass. Weak snow from December is buried 2-4 feet and can be impacted by the weight of a single rider. This problem is most sensitive on steep, rocky, and wind-affected slopes that face west through north through east (the north half of the compass rose). Tracks on a slope are not conclusive evidence that the slope is safe. Use caution in this terrain and give yourself a wide margin for error on slopes with high consequences or around terrain traps.

    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 have become less sensitive over the last several days. However, with a few inches of snow in the forecast and winds gusting up to 30 mph, wind slabs may continue to slowly grow throughout the day at upper elevations. Watch for wind transport, drifting, and stiff wind-affected areas around exposed terrain. Watch for shooting cracks coming from your skis or sled. If you find any of these red flags, move to more sheltered terrain.

    Cornices have grown large. Minimize time spent on slopes with cornices looming overhead. Cornices can break unexpectedly and tend to crack further back along the ridge than you might expect. Cornice falls act as very large triggers and are the most likely way to trigger a persistent slab avalanche.

    (3/11/2024)

    Natural Wind Slab on the lee side of a ridge at 9600 feet on a SE aspect. This avalacnche most likely occured around March 2nd with the large loading event and associated high winds.

    Photo: Travis Baldwin

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack structure remains poor on Togwotee. Weak layers near the base of the snowpack lie under a hard slab of snow that grew in thickness over the last month. Within the last week, multiple natural and human-triggered avalanches were observed as a result of this increased loading. Continue to evaluate steep slopes carefully, especially if they are rocky,  wind affected or will carry you into a terrain trap. 

Due to warming temps and increased sunshine, it’s time to add one more hazard to the problem list. The first grizzly of the spring was spotted in Yellowstone over the weekend. The likelihood of finding this hazard remains low, but the consequences of close encounters are high. Watch for grizzly tracks, carcasses where they may be feeding and consider the appropriate safety gear when packing your bag in the morning. Steer clear of large holes in the snow with tracks entering or sounds of growling.

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