Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. You are most likely to trigger an avalanche on steep wind-loaded terrain. Additionally, it is possible to trigger an avalanche on weak layers buried 1-2 feet deep. Carefully evaluate the snowpack, and use conservative decision-making around steep terrain. Continued snowfall and wind will make triggering an avalanche more likely as the day progresses.

An avalanche warning will be issued beginning at 6 pm tonight and will be in effect until 6 pm Sunday. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Over the last 48 hours, Togwotee has received 6 - 8 inches of new snow with sustained westerly winds creating unstable conditions. Wind slabs 1- 2 feet thick have formed at all elevations - particularly on north-facing terrain. Expect these slabs to grow larger and more sensitive at all elevations as today’s storm increases wind speeds and brings 3 - 6 inches of additional snow. 

    You are most likely to trigger a wind slab near ridgelines or on mid-slope terrain features such as gullies. Watch for obvious signs of instability such as cracking or collapsing. You can reduce your chances of triggering a wind slab by avoiding slopes with obvious signs of wind loading such as cornice growth and pillows of wind-blown snow.

    (12/27/2024)

    Winds had transported snow from southern aspects onto northern aspects at 9400'.

    Photo: Cameron Galt

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Due to the thin snowpack at Togwotee, triggering a persistent slab avalanche is possible. Weak layers buried 1-2 feet below the snow surface remain. Although there has not been a reported persistent slab avalanche for over a week at Togwotee, a storm moving through the zone will increase the likelihood of triggering an avalanche - particularly on north-facing slopes at upper elevations where winds have deposited additional snow. Avalanches involving new snow may step down, potentially producing large unsurvivable avalanches 

    Yesterday in the Teton zone, an avalanche outside of the boundary at Grand Targhee Resort was triggered by a skier on a deeper weak layer. Conditions may change rapidly today. Watch for obvious signs of instability such as cracking or collapsing. Use a wide safety buffer and conservative decision-making around steep slopes to address the uncertainty.

    (12/17/2024)

    Slab avalanche failing on old weak snow. 8700' E aspect

    Photo: Alex Drinkard

Avalanche Discussion

 Over the last 48 hours, new snow and winds have created instabilities in the upper snowpack. To the north, the Teton zone saw multiple human-triggered avalanches in the middle and upper elevations. The storm today is expected to favor southern zones, but Togwotee is still expected to receive 3 - 6 inches of new snow. This means conditions will be changing rapidly throughout the day. Expect slabs of new snow to grow larger and more sensitive as the day progresses. These slabs also have the potential to step down and release avalanches on weak layers buried within the snowpack. This scenario would likely create a large unsurvivable avalanche. The best way to manage the changing conditions and growing danger is to avoid it. Stick to lower-angle terrain, and remember that avalanches could run long distances. Pay close attention to the changing snowpack. Today is a good day to step back.

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