Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering a large avalanche 2-3 feet deep is possible today. The danger is highest on shady slopes above 8000 feet where weak, sugary snow remains preserved and buried.  Snow and wind will continue to create slabs up to a foot deep at upper elevations throughout the day. Drifting snow and shooting cracks are evidence of unstable conditions. Evaluate steep slopes carefully and use caution around wind-affected terrain. Identify terrain traps where even small avalanches could bury you.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak, sugary facets formed in January are buried 2-3 feet in many locations. The likelihood of triggering a large avalanche is highest on very steep slopes above 8,000 feet that face west, through north, through east, where weak, faceted snow is best preserved. Warning signs will most likely not be present until it’s too late. Consider the consequences of an avalanche before committing to steep terrain. There are many narrow gullies and terrain traps on Togwotee Pass - remember that even a small avalanche can bury you in a narrow creek bottom.

    (2/27/2026)

    Recent avalanche near Split Rock. This avalanche was on the smaller side, but if piled up in a creek of depression (terrain trap), it could have still buried a rider.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Up to 6 inches of snow in the last 2 days, combined with strong westerly winds, have built shallow slabs on multiple aspects. Another 3-5 inches of snow is expected today, with gusts to 50 mph. By this evening, slabs over a foot thick are possible on steep, exposed leeward slopes. While slabs will most likely be small, they are sitting on a variety of surfaces and could run farther and faster than you anticipate if triggered. You will see blowing snow today, so take note of where it’s being deposited, and watch for stiff drifts and shooting cracks in steep, exposed terrain. If we end up with another 6+" of snow by this evening, it’s not completely out of the question for larger wind slab avalanches in very steep, northerly terrain to impact buried weak layers and cause a large avalanche.

    Shooting cracks off leeward ridgelines in upper elevations

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

The persistent slab avalanche problem is the primary problem today due to the potential size and consequence of any avalanche failing on facets 2-3 feet deep. However, with enough snow and wind today, wind slabs will continue to grow, increasing the likelihood of triggering.  If we end up with another 6”+ by the end of the day,  wind slabs could become likely. I don’t expect wind slabs to be large enough to bury you, but they could easily knock you off your feet above consequential terrain.  Increasing avalanche hazard combined with poor visibility due to snowy and very windy conditions might be a good enough reason to ride lower-angle, sheltered terrain as the snowpack adjusts to loading.

Thanks for submitting your observations. Snap a few photos while you’re out and send them in; it’s a huge help! Thank you.

Regions covered