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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Highlights

Today is it possible to trigger a large avalanche that fails on weak snow buried near the ground. Triggering a small avalanche in wind-affected terrain in upper elevations is also possible. Intense sunshine today will heat snow surfaces increasing avalanche sensitivity and making wet loose avalanches likely at middle elevations. Keep an eye on warming and be mindful of consequential terrain and terrain traps. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Togwotee's snowpack is characterized by weak, sugary snow buried 2-4 feet deep on all aspects and elevations. This problem is most sensitive on steep, rocky, and wind-affected slopes that face west through north through east (north half of the compass rose). Watch for thin spots in the snowpack where weak layers are easier to impact. Probe or dig down to identify these areas. Remember, tracks on a slope do not indicate stability. Use caution in steep terrain and give yourself a wide margin for error on slopes with high consequences or around terrain traps. 

    (3/8/2024)

    Persistent Slab avalanche that covered the 'K' trail at Togwotee. This avalanche occurred on an east aspect around 7600'. 

    Photo: Cameron Galt

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Yesterday's moderate easterly winds and soft snow available for transport formed soft slabs on all aspects at upper elevations. Watch for signs of wind-affected snow, such as textured surfaces, pillow-shaped features, and shooting cracks. Ridgelines, steep exposed slopes, and cross-loaded terrain are the most likely areas to harbor wind slabs. Eastern wind is atypical for this area and creates tricky avalanche conditions. Keep an eye out for wind-loaded slopes in unusual places. Travel in terrain sheltered from the wind to steer clear of this problem. 

    Cornices are large. As temperatures increase throughout the day they will become easier to trigger. Cornices can break unexpectedly and often further back than expected, even onto flat ridgelines. Cornice falls act as very large triggers, and are the most likely way to trigger a persistent slab avalanche. Limit your exposure to ridgelines and slopes below cornices. 

    (3/8/2024)

    Wind slab avalanche from an east aspect on Leidy at 9400'. 

    Photo: Cameron Galt

  • Loose Wet

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

    Mostly sunny skies and warm temperatures will heat recent snowfall resulting in wet loose avalanches. Triggering one of these slides is most likely on steep terrain facing the sun. Monitor the snow surface as you travel. Look for roller balls, pinwheels, and wet snow (easy to make a snowball). While these avalanches will be small, they can easily push you off your feet making them dangerous in consequential terrain. The onset of wet avalanche activity can be sudden. Pay attention to signs of warming and minimize time spent lingering on or under steep, sunny slopes. 

    Pinwheel formation off of south facing cliff bands.

    Photo: Noah McCorkel

Avalanche Discussion

Recent snowfall from the latest storm was impacted by moderate to strong eastern wind over the past day. Winds from the east are unusual in this area as we normally experience wind from the north, west, or south. These winds could create tricky avalanche conditions, as they strip and deposit snow in unexpected locations. It will be important today to keep an eye out for wind-transported snow and the signs associated with it. 

Temperatures are expected to increase throughout the week, with the highest temperatures expected early next week. Today is the first day we have added the wet loose problem to our forecast list, but expect it to remain a problem for the coming days. Watch for signs of warming as the day progresses. Refreezes are expected at night, but as the sun comes out, conditions can quickly change. Although unlikely, wet loose avalanches could occur in very isolated areas of the upper elevations, especially in protected areas near rock features. These problems tend to become more significant towards the afternoon, so starting earlier in the day, and getting off slopes before they heat up will help you avoid these avalanches. 

The days are getting longer, and it feels like spring. With clear skies and warm temperatures, this will be an excellent weekend in the backcountry. Just remember your sunscreen and to constantly evaluate conditions as you travel on these beautiful days. 

 

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