Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. Soft slabs, one to three feet in depth, lie upon a base of weak, faceted snow. In isolated areas, like the east face of Lava Mountain, deeper hard slabs up to five feet in depth persist. Skiers and riders could trigger these dangerous slabs. Daytime warming and sunshine will increase the likelihood of triggering these slabs on sunlit aspects as the day progresses. People tend to take greater risks when the skies are clear. Conservation terrain choices and restraint are essential; the consequences of being caught in one of these slabs could be fatal.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Inverted conditions and mostly clear skies are in store for Sunday. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 10 before rising into the mid 20s during the day. Easterly ridgetop winds will range from 5 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Sunday. Hard slabs, up to five feet in depth, continue to present a threat to backcountry travelers venturing into steep avalanche paths that did not slide during the last storm cycle. Larger triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to impact these deep instabilities. While the snowpack is becoming more stable, it is also becoming more variable. A slope could be crossed multiple times before a weak spot is encountered, releasing one of these hard slabs. In other areas, the weight of a single person could act as a remote trigger.Clear skies tend to encourage people to take greater risks. Daytime warming and sustained periods of sunshine will increase the likelihood of triggering these slabs on sunlit aspects. Conservation terrain choices and restraint are essential; the consequences of being caught in one of these slabs could be fatal.