Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
No rating
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Highlights

Heavy snow and strong wind have created very dangerous avalanche conditions in the mountains. Slabs ranging from 1 to 3 feet in depth will be reactive to the weight of a skier or snowmobile. Natural avalanches are possible in wind loaded terrain. Traveling in, near, or under avalanche terrain is not recommended today.

The NWS has issued a Winter Storm Warning that is in effect until  Monday 11am.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Heavy snowfall and strong winds from the southwest have formed sensitive wind slabs on a variety of aspects above 8,000’. Large avalanches that are human triggered, or release naturally, are likely in steep terrain today. Depending on location, these slabs lie upon faceted snow, hard melt-freeze crusts, or wind packed snow. Wind slabs could fail on these recently buried surfaces, or on density breaks within the storm snow with depths ranging from 1-3 feet today. Avalanches failing on density breaks will be on the shallower end of that range, while slides failing on old snow will be deeper. Storm snow instabilities may also be found in terrain sheltered from the wind.

    Be prepared to encounter unstable snow and heads up conditions if travelling in the mountains today. Obvious signs of instability such as recent avalanches, shooting cracks, and collapsing indicate that the snow is ripe for avalanching. Triggering avalanches from a distance is possible today. Given the potential for natural avalanches, it will be critical to consider the terrain that lies above you. This includes snowmobile trails that cross avalanche paths or steep road cuts. Traveling in, near, or under avalanche terrain is not recommended today.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak snow near the base of the snowpack lurks 2-4 feet below the surface. Rapid loading from the recent storm snow is stressing these weak layers in some locations. Avalanches involving these layers could occur with a significant trigger such as a large wind slab avalanche or snowmobile. Keep these layers on your radar as you travel today.

     

Avalanche Discussion

After several weeks of dry weather, a powerful and wet storm has created dangerous avalanche conditions at Togwotee Pass. Around a foot of very dense snow (12%) has fallen in the last 24 hours. Winds have been consistently blowing 30 mph or higher out of the southwest with gusts as high as 70 mph. Three day storm totals are sitting at 2 feet of snow with 2.5 inches of Snow Water Equivalent (SWE). This is a significant amount of weight that has been added to a generally weak snowpack. Warm temperatures, windy conditions, and some additional snow is expected today. Today is a good day to step back, find simple terrain without overhead hazard, and let the mountains adjust to the storm. Avoiding being near or under avalanche terrain is extremely important today.

Numerous avalanches were reported yesterday. See the observations here.

If you see avalanche activity today, consider submitting an observation HERE. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. Thanks!

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