Togwotee Pass

Strong winds, new snow and warmer temperatures have combined to increase the avalanche hazard. At the higher elevations (above 9,000 feet) the general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. Strong northwest winds have created pockets of dense surface slab up to two feet in depth on leeward aspects. These slabs could be triggered by riders or skiers who venture onto steep, wind loaded slopes. Below an elevation of 9,000 feet the general avalanche hazard is LOW, however isolated pockets of dense new surface slab up to 18 inches in depth exist and could be human triggered on very steep slopes with fresh deposits of wind blown snow.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. ) Light snowfall is expected to continue through the night and into Monday morning before tapering to periods of snow showers in the afternoon and evening. Additional accumulations of three to five inches are possible. Temperatures in the mountains will be near 20 degrees overnight and rise into the mid 20s on Monday. Winds will be west-northwesterly and freshen to 25 to 30 miles per hour with higher gusts.The general avalanche is expected to be MODERATE at the upper elevations (9,000 to 10,500 feet) and LOW at the mid elevations (7,500 to 9,000 feet). At the upper elevations pockets of surface slab one to two feet in depth that have been formed by northwest winds could be triggered by humans who venture into steep avalanche starting zones. At the mid elevation isolated pockets of surface slab up to 12 inches in depth could be human triggered in very steep, wind drifted, avalanche starting zones. Too little snow exists below an elevation of 7,500 for avalanche activity to occur.