Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

While the likelihood continues to decrease, triggering a slab avalanche 1’ to 3’ thick remains a possibility. You are most likely to collapse weak sugary snow at the base of the snowpack in steep, rocky terrain. Seek out sheltered, low angle slopes. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The snowpack on Togwotee is shallow and weak.  Over the last week, the probability  of triggering a slab avalanche by collapsing the weak layer underneath has decreased. However, the persistent slab problem is still located wherever you find early December snow settled into a slab over weak, sugary snow. The only way to  determine if this setup exists where you are riding is to dig down or probe in the snow. While probing with your pole, if you apply constant force through the top layer and then all of a sudden it easily punches through to the ground, you have found this problem. This problem remains on steep, shady slopes or slopes with wind slab over old, rotten snow from November.

    (12/19/2023) Photo: Travis Baldwin

    Thin and variable coverage on Breccia Peaking looking North

Avalanche Discussion

Unseasonably warm diurnal temperature swings and a lack of loading have slowly decreased the likelihood that your body weight or the weight of your sled will impact and collapse the underlying weak layer. This is a result of the snowpack adjusting to the current load. However, decreased probability does not equal zero probability. Remember that thin spots, such as steep rocky slopes, are often more likely to be trigger points. WHILE PROBABILITY HAS DECREASED, CONSEQUENCE HAS NOT. Approach steep slopes with caution and avoid traveling through terrain traps.

Widespread surface hoar, particularly at lower elevations, and near surface facet development at mid elevations currently reside at the top of the snowpack.  I suspect the current snow surface conditions will be the topic of conversation of the persistent slab problem if and when we get a new load of snow. Note the location of these conditions as you ride through the mountains today.

Hidden obstacles remain a significant hazard due to the shallow snowpack. Ride with caution. Hitting a rock or stump at high speed can have serious consequences to your sled, skis or legs!

Regions covered