Togwotee Pass

The General Avalanche Hazard is CONSIDIERABLE. High Southwest to Northwest winds at 25 to 45 mph, with gusts to 80 mph blew from Saturday into Monday creating a variety conditions. Areas of hard wind slab to 3 feet in depth, scoured windward slopes, and even stripped leeward slopes can all be found. These slabs, which lie on suncrusts and weak, buried surface hoar, could be triggered by backcountry travelers. The foundation of the snowpack in the Togwotee Pass area is weak, sand-like faceted snow and the new snow load will make it easier for dangerous slides to tear out to the ground. Use good route finding skills and carry transceivers, probes and shovels if travelling in avalanche country.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A southwest flow will develop bringing a chance of light snowfall. 9500 foot temperatures will reach into the mid twenties under partly cloudy skies. Winds will be southwesterly at 15 to 25 miles per hour. The General Avalanche Hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE on Tuesday. The primary sliding surface for avalanches is a layer of weak surface hoar 10 to 20 or more inches deep. Surface hoar is resistant to strengthening and prolongs the time when slides are easily triggered after a storm. As the first fair weather comes after days of strong winds, bitter cold and snow - remain vigilant, use careful routefinding skills and carry avalanche rescue equipment.