Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Highlights

It will be possible to trigger a slab avalanche in very steep terrain today. Avalanches could break up to 2 feet deep on wind loaded slopes. There is also the possibility of triggering an avalanche that breaks deeper on buried weak layers at middle and upper elevations. A slide triggered today could bury or injure a rider. Carefully evaluate steep terrain before engaging.

An avalanche fatality in LaBarge Creek in the Salt River/Wyoming Range forecast zone occurred yesterday. Limited information is available at this time. Our condolences go out to those involved. Please check back for more info as it becomes available.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Wind slabs exist on a variety of aspects at middle and upper elevations. Both soft and hard slabs exist and could break 6 inches to 2 feet deep. These slabs may feel hard and drumlike or appear soft and pillowy. A good indicator is whether a slope looks wind affected. If one side of a terrain feature appears stripped, a wind slab may be lurking on the leeward side. Areas just below ridgelines, near mountain passes, and in cross loaded gullies are the most suspect.

    As temperatures warm throughout the day, wet snow avalanches on steep, sun exposed slopes will become more likely. While these avalanches will generally be small, they could stack up in gullies and other similar terrain features. Roller balls are a sign that slopes are heating up.

    (1/10/2026)

    Example of how to identify wind loaded terrain. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak snow that formed in November is buried 2-5 feet below the snow surface and remains a concern on slopes facing north and east above 8,000 feet. While becoming less likely, there is still a possibility of triggering a large avalanche that fails within this weak snow. To reduce the chance of triggering one of these slides, avoid very steep, rocky, wind affected terrain at upper elevations and very steep slopes at middle elevations. 

    A rider had a very close call December 31, 2025. This avalanche illustrates the difficulty in pinpointing where you can trigger deeper weak layers. Note that this seems to be a shallow area, making it easier to trigger a weak layer.

Avalanche Discussion

Sunny skies, light winds, and great coverage are quite a change after an eight day period of stormy weather. This has added 1 to over 2 feet of snow to the mountains, and things finally feel like winter. As we enter a period of high pressure, here are some things to think about:

These mountain ranges that we travel in are large and varied. As the easy picking spots start to get tracked out and we move into new zones, temperatures, winds, and snow depth can vary. This is important from both a riding and avalanche point of view. From both standpoints, testing the waters is advised before sinking an a-arm or center punching the biggest face. Gathering information about the conditions is an important step in managing avalanche risk. From an avalanche perspective, starting with small slopes, with lower consequence (small, with no terrain traps), digging in the snow to see if there are any crusts or weak layers, and surveying the area for recent avalanches can help.

If you choose to move into more consequential terrain, pay close attention to the aspect and elevation of that terrain, the avalanche problems affecting it, and the potential consequences. Remember, even a small slope with consequential terrain below can be dangerous. Being deliberate in your decision making and avoiding the lure of fresh tracks are key.

If you see an avalanche please consider submitting an observation. 

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