Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The chance of human-triggered or natural wet avalanche activity will increase as temperatures rise above freezing and the sun heats the snow surfaces. Snow surfaces becoming wet, slushy, or unsupportable indicate weakening snow. An early start and choosing a route that avoids steep warming slopes, especially those under cornices, are key to safe travel. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    A light refreeze occurred last night, but today's daytime temperatures will be significantly warmer than yesterday's. North-facing terrain above 9000' may reach the mid-40s F by early afternoon. Wet slides can start as small loose avalanches and then entrain considerable amounts of snow as they travel downhill. Recent winds have redistributed pockets of drier snow onto east and south aspects at upper elevations. Consider what's above you as this snow will heat quickly and could release naturally.  The best strategy to avoid trouble with wet avalanches is to time your exit and aspect carefully. It is recommended to call it a day once signs of wet slide activity - such as roller balls or unsupportable snow - become evident. 

    (4/5/2025)

    Small wet loose slides below cliff bands. 

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Triggering a large avalanche on weak snow is unlikely.  Weak layers of faceted snow exist in the middle of the snowpack and near the ground on most slopes. Avalanches involving these layers will be 2-3 feet deep and up to 5 feet deep on heavily wind-affected slopes. Signs of instability such as cracking, collapsing, or recent avalanches will likely not be present before triggering a large avalanche capable of propagating long distances. You're most likely to trigger an avalanche where the snowpack is thinnest. Very steep (>35°), rocky, convex terrain remains suspect. Manage your risk by limiting your time on very steep slopes that appear visibly shallow or where it's easy to find the ground with your sled track.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday's moderate winds and colder temperatures kept the snowpack mostly stable. As temperatures heat up today and winds remain fairly calm, wet loose activity becomes a concern again. Many steep solar aspects have undergone a widespread wet avalanche cycle. Slopes with a northern tilt have experienced a few wet avalanches as well. Even if a slope has slid, it's capable of sliding again. Warm temperatures heating the surface with calm winds can quickly create conditions for a second cycle of wet avalanches. Additionally, recent winds and a small amount of new snow have blown around the upper elevations, creating pockets of drier snow on solar aspects.  As this drier snow heats, it will weaken rapidly. Consider what's above you if you're trying to ascent steep slopes or couloirs today. Below is a list of additional conditions that you could encounter today, especially if your backcountry adventures take you to steep, consequential terrain:  

  • Old wind slabs: Small, isolated slabs could still exist in extreme, N-facing alpine terrain. 
  • Cornices: Nobody likes these. They can break in surprising ways, even on colder days. I find that the best practice in spring is to steer clear of being too near an edge or under one of these features. 

If you see avalanche activity today, please consider submitting an observation HERE. Observations allow everyone to gain a better and more complete understanding of conditions. Thanks!

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