Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
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Highlights

Human triggered avalanches remain possible at ALL ELEVATIONS today. Lingering wind slabs in the alpine will be difficult to identify due to poor visibility and fresh snow today. Persistent slabs could activate with the relatively warm temperatures today, awakening layers that are buried DEEP in the snowpack. Monitor the effects of above freezing temperatures, and pay attention to signs of instability within wind affected snow such as cracking. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Lingering beneath a hard slab lies weak layers buried 2-3’. The Feb 18th layer is our main concern.  This layer is composed of a facet, crust combination found on solar aspects. Many areas of Togwotee also harbor weak, sugary facets across all aspects. New snow and fresh wind slabs will stress these buried weak layers and increase the chance of triggering a large avalanche. Terrain with an increased likelihood of triggering one of these avalanches includes:

    • Shallow snowpack: Weaker buried layers of snow .
    • Wind-affected: Terrain where wind has formed firm, cohesive slabs of snow.
    • Steep: Over 35° slopes.

    Many cornices are reaching their zenith for the season. Be aware that these large cornices often break further back than anticipated and can trigger unusually large avalanches for the given conditions. 

    Mocassin Basin 9500' E aspect

    Photo: Cory Beattie

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Stubborn wind slabs that are 1-2 feet deep exist on many aspects at the middle and upper elevations. These slabs are primarily 4F to 1F in hardness and rest on top of fist-hard decomposing snow from the powder cycle prior to the most recent atmospheric river. 

     

Avalanche Discussion

1-2 inches of snow to report within the last 24 hours in the Togwotee zone. Winds have averaged 7 mph out of the SW with 137 total miles recorded at Lava. Temperatures are currently in the upper teens on the peaks and in the mid 20s on the pass. 

Recent avalanche activity has included persistent slabs up to size 2 with crown depths ranging from 1-5 feet.

Regions covered