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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Weak snow is prevelant in the snowpack on Togwotee pass. In higher terrain where cohesive snow lies upon the older weak snow, the chance for human triggered triggered avalanches continues. Exposed steep slopes near cliffs or rocky areas are the most likely areas to find this weakness although smaller paths over gullies and other terrain traps should also be avoided. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The persistent slab problem exists in locations where weak snow formed in November is covered by harder snow, making for the potential of a slab avalanche.  If triggered these slabs would be hard with depths of 1 to 3 feet. These slabs are most likely to be found on higher terrain with a northerly component in aspect. Slab release has become "stubborn" and could occur after a slope has been tracked several times. 

    (12/21/2023)

    Here is a good example of the terrain where triggering a persistent slab is most likely. 

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

Avalanche Discussion

Although the chance of triggering an avalanche involving the Persistent Weak Layer (PWL) has decreased, the danger rating remains Moderate because, in the unlikely event that a slab is triggered, it has some potential to be large.  Snowpack observations continue to come in that indicate the weak layer is well preserved and that the snow surface is also comprised of weak snow. In many areas the entire snowpack is rotten.  When significant storms do impact the area both the buried weak snow layers and the weak surface snow will be a real concern new avalanche threats. Ride conservatively to avoid the avalanche danger as well as the hazards associated with a low snowpack and barely covered obstacles.  

 

Regions covered