Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

It may be possible trigger a slab avalanche in recently formed wind drifts, especially on steep, sunny slopes. Underneath these drifts, weak snow near the bottom of the snowpack continues to pose a threat. To reduce your risk, steer clear of slopes where the wind has stiffened the snow surface or where you observe signs of warming today such as rollerballs, point release sluffing near cliffs or moist surface snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    Early-season persistent weak layers in the lower snowpack are widespread throughout this zone. Most pits show that these weak layers do not tend to propagate a crack though wind loaded locations are likely to be an exception. Despite having such a poor overall snowpack structure, very little avalanche activity has been noted or reported in theis zone. This is likely due to observation bias--so continue to send us your observations! This zone has very weak snow buried 2 to 4 feet deep on most middle and upper-elevation slopes. Digging a pit can easily identify most of these layers, and stepping off of a sled or probing for depth can also help identify weaker snow. Where stiffer slabbier snow exists over the weak layers is where you are most likely to find unstable snow.

    (2/5/2023)

    This recent avalanche failed on weaker snow near the base of the snowpack.

    Photo: Dawson Hatch

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Look for and steer clear of drifted and wind affected snow espesically along steep drainages and ridgetops that receive sun today. These slabs could be up to two feet thick and large enough to carry or potentially bury a person in the wrong terrain. . Evaluate snow and terrain for both of these avalanche problem types if venturing into steep terrain today.  Roller balls, wet loose sluffs from cliff faces and moistening snow surfaces are clues that surface snow may be getting less stable.

Avalanche Discussion

Solar gain on steep slopes today seems likely to moisten snow and lead to some moist surface snow. wet slabs don't seem likely to be a problem due to the short duration of heating but you'll likely to see some signs of warming especially near cliffs.  Where the sun impacts any drifted snow you're likely to find a slab developing. The snowpack up here is really weak but so far lacks much of a slab over top which is a key ingredient for an avalanche.  

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