Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Recent snow lies upon a variety of sliding surfaces including slick crusts and weak faceted snow. Backcountry skiers and riders have the potential to trigger avalanches involving these layers with depths to eighteen inches on a variety of aspects in steep avalanche terrain. Watch for warning signs such as recent avalanche activity on similar slopes, shooting cracks, and any feeling of collapse within the snowpack.  The sensitivity of these slabs may vary greatly from slope to slope and will increase this afternoon when they are further weakened by sunlight and rising temperatures. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The month-long dry period created weak layers that lie under approximately one foot of snow that fell this week. In some areas, this snow has bonded well to the old surfaces however in other terrain, soft slabs lie ready to be triggered by a person. Areas of faceted snow exist at all elevations and slab release could occur upon approach or after a slope has been crossed several times. Take the time to investigate the interface between old snow and the recent snow. Several avalanches were reported yesterday in the Teton and Snake River Ranges.  Similar activity is likely to have occured in the Togwotee Pass Area yesterday and more activity is expected today. Click here for details. Warming will increase slab sensitivity and provide a slight chance for wet slides this afternoon. 

    (2/12/2026)

    Avalanche near Phillips Ridge. Remotely triggered on 2/12. 

Avalanche Discussion

Make no mistake areas of unstable snow exist in the backcountry.  A month-long dry period during the heart of winter is rare in western Wyoming. Last week's warm inversion conditions created slick crusts on solar aspects while faceting continued in shaded terrain. In addition to those primary surfaces, surface hoar could be found in many areas and wind crusts could be found in exposed north facing terrain at the highest elevations.  Faceted snow is the most profound in the Togwotee forecast area.  Had the storm brought more precipitation or if it was accompanied by stronger winds, avalanche activity yesterday would have been widespread. The amount received however is enough to result in unstable slabs existing in some terrain while other terrain is stable.  Predicting which slopes are unstable is difficult.  Given the distribution of the weaknesses, caution is advised. Seeing any evidence of recent activity and direct feedback from the snowpack of collapse or shooting cracks are signs to stay clear of similar terrain. This avalanche problem is expected to continue for several days. 

If out recreating in the Teton forecast area today, please consider posting an observation to help the community make informed and safe decisions in the backcountry.

Regions covered