Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
No rating
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Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Triggering an avalanche 1-2 feet in wind-drifted snow is likely. Watch for obvious signs including pillows and drifts around exposed terrain. Use conservative decisions around steep, rocky and wind-affected slopes where it’s possible to trigger a large and destructive avalanche on deeper weak layers.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow and wind have built soft slabs up to 2 feet thick. Wind slabs will continue to grow as wind transports new snow today. Watch for stiff pillows, drifting and cracking in exposed terrain. This problem exists around ridges, cliffs and crossloaded features at all elevations. If you observe cracking or collapsing, seek out sheltered terrain. Small wind slabs can easily knock you off your feet in consequential terrain. Small avalanches can also step down and impact deeper weak layers and cause more destructive avalanches.

    If the sun pops out this afternoon, watch for small wet loose avalanches on steep southerly lower elevation terrain indicated by rollerballs and changing surface conditions. While these avalanches will be small, they can knock you off your feet. Heating snow surfaces is also an indication of increased sensitivity of slab avalanche problems. Move to shadier slopes without overhead hazard.

    (3/2/2024)

    A large persistent slab avalanche east of Two Ocean Mountain. This avalanche broke about 400' wide and failed on weak snow formed in December.

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Recent snow and wind have stressed the Togwotee snowpack. The persistent slab problem exists at all elevations and on all aspects on Togwotee Pass. You are most likely to trigger an avalanche at upper elevations in steep rocky terrain or other thin areas with wind-affected snow. These avalanches will be large and destructive. Weak layers in the top 3 feet will be impacted first and the potential exists for avalanches to step down and collapse weak layers closer to the ground. Watch for collapsing and shooting cracks, sure signs of weak snow beneath you. Ride low-angle slopes as the snowpack adjusts to the weight of new snow.

     

    (3/3/2024)

    A large natural avalanche on the Whale's Back of East Angle. 

Avalanche Discussion

It’s been an active several days of weather on Togwotee with 39 inches of snow and 3.7 inches of SWE falling on the west side of the pass since March 1st. Togwotee went through a natural avalanche cycle earlier in the week and another few inches of snow in the last 24 hours has increased the sensitivity and likelihood of triggering an avalanche today. Watch for obvious signs of instability including cracking, collapsing, recent avalanches, and active loading/wind transport. If you see any of these signs, choose safer terrain and give yourself extra safety margin as you ride. Watch out for overhead hazard (avalanche slopes above you) and steer clear of terrain traps.

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