Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Human triggered avalanches are possible at the upper elevations where wind affected snow sits on top of buried persistent weak layers. Shallow and rocky areas in steep terrain are the most likely places to trigger a slab. You can identify these areas of concern by using your shovel and probe to dig a snow pit. Monitor the effects of the sun on the snow surface today. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Buried persistent weak layers exist within the snowpack. These layer formed during cold dry periods in November and consist of facets, depth hoar, and buried surface hoar. In shallow areas these layers are within 1-3 feet of the snow surface. In deeper areas they are 3-5 feet from the snow surface. 

    Use your shovel and probe to determine if buried weak layers exists. Pay attention to signs of instability such as audible collapsing of the snowpack.

    (1/7/2023) A thin slab avalanche propagated widely on weak layers in Squaw Creek.

Avalanche Discussion

Togwotee has received a steady trickle of snow over the last week. Winds have been light but the new snow is readily available for transport. You are most likely to trigger an avalanche where wind slabs lie on top of buried weak layers in steep, shallow, and rocky areas. 

Current snow surfaces are made up of low density stellars and near surface facets in many locations. Buried persistent weak layers from late November and early December are buried over 1.5 meters deep on leeward aspects. On wind exposed aspects these layers are much closer to the surface and are reacting in the easy to moderate range in stability tests. 

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