Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

The primary avalanche problem in Togwotee remains the old weak layers deep in the snowpack unexepectedly releasing a thick slab. Recently formed wind slabs are also a concern. Be increasingly cautious on rocky, wind affected slopes where triggering a large avalanche remains possible.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Triggering an avalanche on weak layers buried 2-3 feet deep is possible on very steep slopes over 35° in the upper elevations. Signs of instability such as cracking, collapsing, or recent avalanches may not be present before triggering a large, dangerous avalanche. These avalanches are capable of propagating widely across or up a slope. Multiple tracks on a slope do not indicate stability with this problem type. Large triggers such as cornice falls and groups increase the odds of impacting buried weak layers. Little warning has accompanied these avalanches prior to triggering other than visual signs of wind affected snow.

    On Sunday, a large avalanche was triggered by a snowmobiler on Mount Leidy. This avalanche likely involved persistent weak layers and is evidence that riders still have the potential to impact these layers.

    (2/27/2025)

    Steep, rocky, and wind affected terrain above 10,000’ near Togwotee Pass. The boundary between wind scoured and wind loaded features are the most likely places to trigger a persistent slab avalanche.

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

  • Wind Slabs

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

    10 inches of snow fell on Togwotee Pass 48 hours ago. Wind directions varied greatly during this period and areas prone to wind loading, especially along ridge crests and summits could have soft slabs with depths to 18 inches in steep terrain.  These slabs could be human triggered today as they lie upon hard crusts on slopes exposed to sunlight and on facets in shaded terrain.  Watch for slopes with signs of wind affect.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3

    Weak snow buried 5 feet deep exists near the ground above 9,000’. Triggering an avalanche at this depth is very unlikely but not impossible. Manage this problem the same way you would manage weak layers in the middle of the snowpack by avoiding very steep, rocky, and wind loaded terrain.

     

    (2/11/2025)

    The crown of the recent avalanche on the E face of Lava ~10,400'. This monstrous slab was triggered from a this spot in the snowpack as a person stepped off of their snow mobile and walked toward the top of the slope.

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

If you see avalanche activity today, please consider submitting an observation HERE or by sending a photo and description to 307-264-3050. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. Thanks!

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