Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Large, dangerous avalanches remain possible on persistent weak layers near the ground buried 2-4 feet deep. Use heightened caution in complex terrain that contains very steep, rocky, unsupported, and wind affected slopes where the consequences will be more severe. Seek simple terrain to manage the uncertainty of this problem. While less likely, these avalanches could be triggered remotely from gentle terrain above, below, or to the side of steep slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The possibility of triggering a large avalanche will continue as weak layers persist near the ground. These weak layers are buried below hard slabs 2 feet across all elevations and up to 3-4 feet in wind-loaded upper elevation terrain where the consequences remain more severe. On Jan 4th a fatality occurred on Radio Tower Peak by triggering a persistent slab avalanche.

    Obvious signs of instability may not be present, as slopes can behave in unpredictable patterns. Avalanches could be triggered remotely from gentle terrain above, below, or beside steep slopes. These avalanches can also occur after multiple tracks have hit a slope. Given the well-connected nature of the weak layer, avalanches can propagate long distances across slopes. Evaluate terrain carefully and steer clear of rocky, unsupported slopes over 35° steep in wind affected terrain. Avoid terrain traps where even small avalanches can be dangerous. 

     

    (1/5/2025)

    Looking up from the burial site at the remotely-triggered large avalanche off the west shoulder of Brooks Lake Mountain near Breccia. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

The avalanche danger rating has decreased from Considerable to Moderate in the upper elevations today. The likelihood of triggering a persistent slab avalanche will decrease over time without any additional stress of snowfall or wind. It is very important to remember that the consequences of triggering a persistent slab avalanche remain the same. Persistent slab avalanches can be difficult to manage due to their unpredictable nature described above. For this reason, it is important to be patient and wait to ride complex terrain until the avalanche conditions improve. For now, enjoy the snow in simpler terrain as the weak layers haunt our snowpack.

Our sincerest condolences go out to everyone in the community influenced by the recent avalanche fatality this week. 

 Please consider submitting an observation HERE. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. Thank you and many thanks to all of you who have submitted!

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