Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The combination of recent snow, wind, and buried weak layers make human triggered avalanches possible today. Cracking within wind drifted snow and audible collapsing of the snowpack are signs of instability. Carefully assess the snowpack before entering steep, rocky terrain, especially below large cliff bands. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak snow is buried 1-3 feet deep in the Togwotee area. This snow formed during cold, dry periods in November and early December and is present at all aspects and elevations. Areas with the thinnest snowpack usually harbour the weakest snow. Zones where the wind has formed thicker slabs of snow are of primary concern due to the likelihood of weak snow below. 

    (12/22/2022)

    Old debris, likely mid storm on the 21st. R1D1

    Photo: Frank Carus

Avalanche Discussion

The Togwotee area did not pick up as much snow as the other forecast areas during the last storm (December 20/21). With low temperatures dipping down into the -20 Fahrenheit range it is doubtful that this new snow will be very reactive. What is certain is that the overall structure of the snowpack is very weak in the Togwotee area, with thin areas composed mostly of facets and crusts. Wherever the raging winds DID deposit the new snow into slabs there is sure to be a weak layer below. Steep south and east facing slopes above creek bottoms are examples of zones where riders could potentially get into trouble. At the upper elevations mid slope areas and aprons below cliff bands are of primary concern. With the extreme winds most of the new snow that did fall over December 20/21 ended up well below the traditional starting zones near ridgeline.

Regions covered