Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

A poor snowpack structure with weak snow below a firm cohesive slab will make triggering an avalanche possible. These buried weak layers will be more reactive on southerly aspects and previously wind loaded terrain where firmer slabs exist. Evaluate slope angles while traveling to steer clear of steep, consequential terrain where this problem exists.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    A cohesive slab 1-2 feet deep sits above various buried weak layers where triggering an avalanche is possible. These slabs will be most reactive on previously wind loaded terrain and the south half of the compass where slabs above the buried weak layers are harder. Slab depths will be 2-3 feet with possibly higher amounts in terrain exposed to the wind. Pay attention to this problem when traveling above 10,000’ where wind has altered the snowpack drastically.  Identify this terrain by analyzing the snow surface for ripples, large pillows, or cracking. Avoid steep slopes leading to terrain traps such as creeks and gullies even in sheltered areas. The recent avalanche on Barbers Point is a good example of terrain to avoid where this problem exists (steep slopes along ridgelines and terrain exposed to the wind). 

    (12/7/2023)

    Persistent slab avalanche on Barbers Point. A good example of steep terrain to steer clear of. 

Avalanche Discussion

Fresh snow and fun riding

6-9” of new snow over the last two days has not been affected by the wind, lacks a firm slab character and is bonding decently on the new to old crust interface. Togwotee did not experience the strong warming on the 5th and 6th like the other forecast zones. The crust there is thin and unsupportable below the recent snow. The persistent slab problem remains the prime suspect. And nobody likes getting in trouble. Don’t try to out trick this problem as it will be difficult to distinguish which slopes are safe or not. For now the best way to manage the problem is avoid those steep consequential slopes. There’s a lot of good snow out there right now, but be aware of the thin snow coverage with obstacles hidden below the new snow. Sage brush fields on low angle terrain provide for some fun, safe riding conditions.

Regions covered