This is an archived product related to a fatal avalanche that day.

Backcountry Avalanche Forecast
Togwotee Pass

Issued: Saturday, January 4, 2025 - 6:58AM
Expires: Sunday, January 5, 2025 - 12:00AM
Author: Cameron Galt

THE BOTTOM LINE

It is possible to trigger an avalanche on weak layers buried 1-3 feet deep. These avalanches can be triggered remotely - from above, below, or adjacent to slopes over 30°. Stay alert on steep rocky slopes and areas drifted by the wind. The safest and best riding can be found on sheltered terrain less than 30°.

Avalanche Danger
Saturday, January 4, 2025
Above 9,000': 2 - Moderate
Below 9,000': 2 - Moderate
Limited avalanche terrain.0 - No Rating

Avalanche Problems (1)
Problem #1: Persistent Slab
Aspect/Elevation
Above 9000': All aspects
Below 9000': All aspects except S
Likelihood: Possible
Size: Small (D1) to Large (D2)

The thin snowpack will make triggering a persistent slab avalanche possible today. Expect to find weak, faceted snow layers buried 1-2 feet deep on all aspects and elevations except for due southerly terrain below 9000'. Slabs may be thicker in areas where wind has deposited additional snow. Two days ago, multiple small human-triggered avalanches were reported near Two Ocean and Maverick Creek. 

Slopes with rocky outcroppings, unsupported convexities, or wind-drifted features are the most likely spots to trigger a persistent slab avalanche. These avalanches may not show signs of instability and can be triggered remotely from above, below, or adjacent to slopes over 30°. Stay alert near terrain traps such as road cuts and creek beds where even a small avalanche can have large consequences. The best riding can be found on gentler terrain protected from the wind.

Additional Discussion:

Togwotee is forecasted to receive 2 - 4 inches of new snow by this evening and wind out of the west with gusts up to 30 mph. This will continue to load the weak snowpack, especially exposed slopes at higher elevations. If you find instability such as cracking or fresh drifts forming - move to more sheltered terrain. 

Forecast Discussion

There is a lot of good riding to be had on Togwotee right now. Slopes that are less than 30° and not blown around by the wind will provide great powder riding and the smallest chance of triggering an avalanche. Persistent weak layers like the faceted, weak, sugary snow at the base of the snowpack take time to adjust. Be patient as this happens. Avoid terrain traps like creek beds and road cuts with steep slopes above.

Weather Forecast

Yesterday was a warm day. Valley temperatures rose into the high thirties to low forties. Light snow showers brought 1-3” to the Tetons, Snake, and Togwotee with only a trace in the Salt and Wyoming Ranges. Rain showers were observed up to 7500 feet. Ridgetop winds were out of the south/southwest at 20-30 mph and have slowed down in the overnight hours.

Today expect snow showers to begin in the morning, with forecasted totals of 2-8” in the Tetons, 4-8” in the Snake, 4-12” in the Salt and Wyoming Ranges, and 1-3” on Togwotee. Daytime high temperatures will be in the low twenties at 10,000 feet and low thirties in the valleys. Snowfall will diminish later in the day as a cold front pushes through the area. Temperatures behind that front will follow a cooling trend. Winds will be out of the west at 15-20 mph with higher speeds in the 25 mph range, in the Salt and Wyoming Ranges.