Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
No rating
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Highlights

30 inches of new snow in the past three days has created very dangerous avalanche conditions. Human triggered avalanches 2-4 feet deep are very likely in steep terrain at the middle and upper elevations. Large natural avalanches are likely in steep, wind loaded terrain in the upper elevations. Travel in or under avalanche terrain is not recommended today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Strong southerly winds gusting up to 35 mph combined with heavy snowfall over the last three days have created unstable snow in steep terrain at the middle and upper elevations. Triggering an avalanche 2-3 feet deep is likely in terrain steeper than about 30 degrees today. Avalanche conditions will be most sensitive in wind affected terrain, however, slabs may also be triggered in steep sheltered terrain due to significant snowfall. Natural avalanches are still likely in steep wind loaded terrain at the upper elevations. Because of this, it is important to be aware of the terrain that is above you and avoid traveling in runout zones. Steer clear of steep terrain today, especially on slopes with terrain traps such as creek beds and tight gullies. Even a small avalanche can have severe consequences in these features.

    An avalanche triggered in the new snow could step down to weak layers deeper in the snowpack resulting in a large and destructive avalanche.

    Cracking in wind drifted snow is an obvious sign of unstable snow.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Hard slabs 3-5 feet deep sit on top of weak snow that formed in December. The recent storm has pushed the snowpack to its breaking point in some locations. This large avalanche that occurred yesterday on the Continental Divide failed on this weak interface and is proof that the snowpack is currently dangerous. Persistent slab avalanches are difficult to predict and may fail in unexpected ways. It may be possible to trigger these slabs from a distance or below the slope. Previous tracks on a slope do not indicate stability. Give steep terrain a wide margin today as the snowpack adjusts to the most recent load.

    (3/2/2024)

    A large persistent slab avalanche east of Two Ocean Mountain. This avalanche broke about 400' wide and failed on weak snow formed in December.

Avalanche Discussion

Over the past three days, the Togwotee Pass area has received 18-35” of new snow containing 1.5-3.5” of snow water equivalent (SWE). This has been the most significant loading event of the year and has added a tremendous amount of weight to a generally weak snowpack. Today, human triggered avalanches will be likely in steep terrain. They may fail in the most recent snow, or break down to deeper weak layers. However, any avalanche triggered today will be large and dangerous. Expect to be surprised given the significant and rapid load we just received. Today is a good day to avoid being in or under avalanche terrain and seek great riding on low angle slopes.

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