Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Very dangerous avalanche conditions will continue today as rapid warming temperatures stresses a weak snowpack. Large avalanches can be remotely triggered from flat terrain connected to steep slopes. Travel in avalanche terrain in the upper elevations is not recommended while traveling below 9000’ should warrant very conservative terrain choice in and around slopes steeper than 30°.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Weak snow formed during dry conditions in December was the culprit of several avalanches on Togwotee yesterday. These weak layers are buried 1-3 feet below hard slabs and can be found across all elevations and most aspects. Rapid loading of snow with strong west yesterday combined with warming temperatures today will lead to continued dangerous conditions. Remote triggering these avalanches from gentle terrain above, below, or to the side of steep slopes is likely. The unpredictable nature of these avalanches can catch you off guard, as these avalanches could even fail on steep treed slopes . Stay away from runout zones of large avalanche paths and terrain connected to steep slopes. Simply put, travel on avalanche terrain above 30° is not recommended. 

    See avalanche occurrences yesterday: Breccia, Togwotee Pass. 

    (1/18/2024) Photo: Andrew Florkey

    Persistent slab avalanche highlighting terrain traps to avoid. Riders also observed collasping (whomfing) on flat terrain nearby. 

Avalanche Discussion

Unstable Snowpack

Multiple avalanches were reported yesterday highlighted in the persistent slab problem above. The avalanche on Breccia emphasizes why you need to be aware of the terrain you are traveling below. Crossing large avalanche paths in the upper elevations even in flat terrain will remain very dangerous. Avoiding steep slopes, especially in terrain traps such as large creeks and gullies, will be necessary across all elevations. Triggering an avalanche even on a small slope above a terrain trap could result in severe consequences. Rapid warming temperatures today could make the snowpack come unglued. This is the first significant warming trend in over a week. Don’t let the desire to ride deep powder snow cloud your judgment. Stay safe as the snowpack adjusts to rapidly changing conditions.

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