Avalanche forecast

Togwotee Pass

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Highlights

Avalanche conditions are generally safe and large avalanches involving buried weak layers are unlikely at all elevations. Small avalanches involving new snow may be triggered on isolated wind loaded terrain features at the highest elevations. Watch for pockets of unstable wind drifted snow in very steep upper elevation terrain and give cornices a wide buffer. 

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Triggering a large avalanche on weak snow is unlikely, but not impossible. Weak layers of faceted snow exist in the middle of the snowpack and near the ground on most slopes. Avalanches involving these layers will be 2-3 feet deep and up to 5 feet deep on heavily wind-affected slopes. Signs of instability such as cracking, collapsing, or recent avalanches will likely not be present before triggering a large avalanche capable of propagating long distances. You're most likely to trigger an avalanche where the snowpack is thinnest. Very steep (>35°), rocky, convex terrain remains suspect. Multiple tracks on a slope do not indicate stability with this problem type. Manage your risk by limiting your time on very steep slopes previously loaded by the wind, and steer clear of any areas that appear visibly shallow or where it's easy to find the ground with your sled track.

Avalanche Discussion

A passing storm brought a quick shot of snow to the Togwotee area yesterday morning with upper elevation terrain receiving about 4 inches of snow. Snow showers tapered mid day and most weather stations showed an inch or two of settlement by evening. Overnight snow totals ended up being less than expected with the mountains only receiving another inch or so. There were reports of small (D1) soft slabs around 10,000’ in the Tetons, but little else in the way of avalanche activity. Another 2-4 inches of snow could fall today, yet this should do little to change the overall avalanche danger. Wet avalanche problems are not likely to be a concern today given the relatively cold and mostly cloudy conditions that are forecasted. Still, it is April (!) and any periods of prolonged sun could destabilize snow surfaces. Most slopes are stable and the danger rating will remain at Low today. Low danger does not mean no danger. Be on the lookout for isolated wind slabs if traveling to the highest elevations today.

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