Togwotee Pass

Cycles of warm days and cold nights have resulted in a snowpack that is stable this morning and the avalanche danger will initially be Low. Although morning temperatures are warmer at lower elevations today, the snow surface has still hardened there due to radiational cooling. As direct sunlight and rapidly warming temperatures weaken the bonds of the surface crusts, wet slide activity will become possible by this afternoon and the danger will increase to Moderate. Wet loose avalanche activity is likely to start with just surface snow but could entrain deeper layers of the snowpack, particularly as elevation decreases. Exit avalanche terrain before conditions are too warm for safe travel and follow social distancing protocols in the backcountry, at access points, and while travelling to those areas.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Tonight and Wednesday morning are to be clear and dry before clouds increase and precipitation returns on Wednesday afternoon. Below freezing temperatures are expected at all elevations overnight with highs to be similar to today before the precipitation begins. That means that storm will start as rain potentially as high as 9000 feet before the rain/snow lines drops towards the valley during the evening and Wednesday night. In the morning, the general avalanche hazard will be Low at all elevations and avalanche activity is not expected in the mostly stable snowpack that will be topped with a hard, supportable crust. The danger could increase to Moderate during the afternoon in steep terrain after the snowpack is first weakened by sunlight and warm temperatures and then additionally weakened by potential rain.