Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
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Highlights

Today it is possible to trigger a large persistent slab avalanche on weak snow near the bottom of the snowpack. Watch for steep, rocky, wind-affected terrain where buried weak layers are easier to impact. Although unlikely, watch for wet avalanche activity on steep southerly aspects at middle elevations as daytime temperatures increase. Move to northerly aspects if you are sinking in wet unsupportable snow. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Triggering an avalanche remains possible on weak snow buried 2-4 feet deep below hard slabs. This weak, sugary snow exists across all aspects and elevations near the base of the snowpack. The last known persistent slab avalanche occurred on 3/16 in Upper Deception Creek. These avalanches are difficult to predict, but areas where triggering is most probable include steep, rocky, and wind-affected slopes on the north half of the compass. These slopes contain thin, shallow spots where riders can more easily impact the weak layers. Continue to limit exposure underneath cornices, especially as they weaken midday. Cornice falls are the most likely way to trigger a very large persistent slab avalanche.

    (3/10/2024)

    A small, but deep snowmobile triggered avalanche visible from the road. This avalanche failed on weak snow near the ground. 

    Photo: Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center

  • Wet Slabs

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

    Wet slabs remain a concern today due to continued warm temperatures, especially at middle elevations. A week of daytime temperatures in the 40s and sun allowed free-flowing water to move through the snowpack and pool on crust layers. While it is unlikely for a human to trigger a wet slab, water moving through the snowpack can have a lag effect causing these avalanches to happen days after a heating event. Steep southerly aspects, especially around rock features, are where you're most likely to encounter this problem. The last known wet slab avalanche occurred on 3/19 near Breccia on steep rocky terrain. 

    Managing this problem can be difficult. Pay attention to signs of warming. If you've found an unsupportable, mushy snowpack consider staying off of and away from large or consequential avalanche paths with similar characteristics. Don't let a refrozen crust catch you off guard either, remember that water and heat remain deeper in the snowpack. Today's cloud coverage and slightly cooler temperatures will continue abating this avalanche problem. Until then, colder snow and better riding conditions can be found on the north half of the compass. 

    (3/20/2024)

    A wet slab avalanche triggered on steep rocky terrain near Breccia.

Avalanche Discussion

Warm temperatures are expected today at middle elevations. After the past week of warming, the snowpack has absorbed and retained lots of heat. This energy has melted water which now moves through the snowpack, and pools on top of crusts or in weak layers. Water can have a lag effect moving through the snowpack, so determining when the water has drained or re-frozen can be difficult. With another day of warm temperatures, we decided to keep the wet slab problem on southern aspects at middle elevations. While this problem is unlikely, the presence of water in the snowpack means it's still something we still have to think about. 

This is the last day of warm temperatures before the incoming storm brings winds and colder weather. Once the storm has arrived, we will have a higher confidence interval on what will happen with these wet avalanche problems. Remember today that warm wet snow can remain under a frozen surface. The best riding can be found on northern aspects, where snow has remained cold and soft. 

Regions covered