Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Large avalanches failing on weak snow buried 1-3 feet are possible. Very steep, rocky, and wind affected terrain is where these avalanches are most likely. Obvious signs of unstable snow may not be present, so use conservative terrain choices away from terrain traps or slopes that hold higher consequences if triggered. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Hard slabs 1-3 feet deep lie above weak snow formed in early December. As the likelihood of triggering an avalanche on these buried weak layers decreases over the time, the possibility remains. This includes triggering from a distance or below the slope. The last human triggered avalanche involving these weak layers occurred on January 4th and was remotely triggered from below. Slopes that contain thin, sensitive areas in the slab are the most likely places to impact these layers. Thin spots usually exist around very steep, rocky, and wind blown terrain features. Deeper slabs with larger consequences exist in the upper elevations.

    Large triggers in the form of groups, trenching a snowmobile, and falling cornices will increase the odds of impacting these layers. Use safe travel practices in order to minimize your exposure to this problem. Travel one at a time across steep terrain, avoid dangerous terrain traps, and communicate plans with your group members throughout the day. 

    (1/16/2025)

    An example of terrain where persistent slab avalanches are most likely.

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Persistent slab avalanches are difficult to predict. Obvious signs of instability such as recent avalanches, collapsing, or shooting cracks may not be present before triggering an avalanche.  Managing this type of problem requires conservative terrain selection. We can’t change the snowpack, but we can change the terrain we choose to ride. 

Regions covered