Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
No rating
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanches large enough to bury you are very likely today.  Avalanches can happen naturally or can be triggered from a distance while approaching or riding a slope, from adjacent terrain, or below.  Stay off of and out from under slopes steeper than 30° at all elevations.

 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Here's all you need to know today:

    • Up to 10" of heavy new snow fell last night with strong winds.
    • Poor snow structure has a stiff layer of wind-drifted snow now overloading a widespread layer of very weak, sugary, faceted snow.
    • Avalanche danger today will remain basically the same today even if the snow and wind stop.
    • Avalanches could break 2-4' deep; or deeper where wind has drifted snow.
    • In the drier portions of the zone, slab avalanches will be smaller, 1-3' thick , but still potentially deadly.

    Natural D2.5 at 10,100 feet on SE aspect of Angle Mt.  that likely failed on 1/14 or 1/15 from recent wind overloading the December drought layer. Expect more avalanches like this today.

    Recent Observation

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack is very weak and new snow and wind drifted snow fell overnight. The December drought left widespread weak facets, buried surface hoar and crusts. These weak layers can fail easily right now and cracks can propagate long distances. This particular snowpack is ripe for long distance remote triggers and long running avalanches. Keep your head on a swivel if you ride today but stay in flat terrain well under 30 degrees. Make sure where you are riding isn't connected to steep terrain above or below you. Pay particular attention to terrain traps such as steep creek beds where even small slopes above could bury you. 

Regions covered