Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

You can trigger an avalanche that breaks three feet deep, most likely where wind-drifted slabs rest over weak snow. Slabs failing on weak layers in sheltered terrain are less likely but can't be ruled out entirely. Multiple sets of tracks may exist on a slope before it avalanches. Reduce your risk by sticking to middle-elevation, sheltered slopes not connected to steeper terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Snowfall amounts will vary today into tomorrow, and surface snow will be easily moved around by wind today. Wind-drifted areas will be sensitive today and also hold the potential for triggering a larger avalanche. Expect avalanche conditions to worsen if you find areas of wind-blown snow. You can find safer travel options on wind-sheltered south and southwest slopes at lower elevations and by sticking to slopes less than about 30 degrees that aren't connected to steeper terrain above, next to, or below. These wind slab avalanches are likely to be on the smaller side, but if you find yourself in wind-loaded terrain, you're also in an area where you're more likely to trigger a persistent slab avalanche (Problem #2 below). 

    You've found a wind slab if you're traveling through thicker snow or see cracks around your feet, skis, or machine. Even small avalanche terrain can have severe consequences where there are terrain traps like creek beds and transitions from steep slopes to flat terrain below. 

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    A new round of weak snow was buried on February 2nd. These weak layers are most consistent on the east, north, and west-facing slopes and have slightly less potential on southerly aspects. This interface is now buried 1-3 feet on average. In the last week, human-triggered avalanches have been reported on this layer. This avalanche problem can be remotely triggered from flat terrain or propagate widely across terrain features.  Shooting cracks or collapses are a clear sign of danger, but these obvious signs of instability will not always show themselves before an avalanche releases.

    (2/11/2024)

    Large recent natural avalanche on Togwotee Pass.

Avalanche Discussion

Avoiding avalanche terrain is pretty simple. Deciding when and where to engage with avalanche terrain is very complex. We have patterns of weak snow and slabs that vary widely by aspect and elevation in this individual zone. If you want to avoid areas where triggering an avalanche is trending less likely, you must think, plan, and check snow in the field. The likelihood of triggering avalanches on these weak layers is tricky, particularly with the slow loading of the layers but increasing winds today.  When you're out in the mountains today, think about the trends we've been seeing with recent activity rearing its head and whether this combination of weak layers and slab exists in the terrain you are in. In many places, you can confirm whether or not that weak snow exists by probing the snow and digging any sort of test pit. The danger may be moderate, but the snowpack differs everywhere you go. Avoiding terrain with the following characteristics, and giving slopes more time can help reduce your risk:

  • Windy. Is there evidence of wind loading? Does the terrain seem exposed to the wind?
  • Steep. Is the terrain above 35 deg? Does it roll over?
  • Shaded. Nearly all recent avalanches have occurred on slopes with a northern tilt.
  • Rocky. Again, many of the recent avalanches have occurred in areas that are rocky or above cliff bands 

 

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