Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

Triggering an avalanche on a buried weak layer is unlikely today. Be cautious when entering steep terrain and look for the thin, gray line of weak snow in snowpits. Collapsing or whumpfing is the signal to find a lower angled slope to ride.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The main avalanche problem remains this weak layer in the snowpack where October snow developed weak crystals near or on the old surface.  The weak layer is buried more deeply in the Tetons but less so in Togwottee where it may be easier to trigger though doing so is becoming increasingly unlikely. These slabs are likely to be 1-2’ thick and maybe up to 3’ thick along ridges where the wind has drifted snow. You can read more about this layer in recent observations from Togwotee, Targhee, and Teton Pass. 

    (11/9/2022) Skiers dug and performed stability test after experiencing widespread and loud collapes right out of the car on the way to Two Ocean.

Avalanche Discussion

Our early-season snowpack has grown substantially following the recent storm.  Widespread collapsing along with some decent-sized avalanches three days ago triggered with explosives pointed to a reactive snowpack though this layer is on it's way to becoming dormant.  Low-angle slopes without many obstacles may be your best bet for skiing or riding though it's still a gamble with the thin snowpack. Be sure to dig to look for this weak layer and find another slope to ride if you hear any collapsing. 

Weak layers evolve and heal at different rates depending on aspect, elevation, weather, and range. Understanding these patterns takes time, particularly in the early season, and requires diligence and monitoring. Snap a photo of any avalanches you see or make note of any collapses and cracking in the snow surface. Submitting snowpit data also helps us paint the picture of what is happening across our ranges. The more data we get,  the easier it is to collectively make safer decisions on where to play.

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