Togwotee Pass

Dangerous unstable slabs 10 to 30 inches in depth lie upon a persistent weak layer. As the day warms the potential for these slabs to release naturally or be triggered by humans on steep avalanche prone slopes will increase. Instabilities associated with a dense slab on faceted snow are not only persistent but hard to assess and manage. Steep slopes could be crossed multiple times before a rider or skier crosses a sweet spot and triggers a slab avalanche. When these conditions exist most fatalities occur during periods of moderate or considerable hazard. The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE at the mid and higher elevations (8,000 to 10,500 feet) and MODERATE below an elevation of 8,000 feet. These conditions require respect and a conservative approach as consequences could be severe.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A high pressure ridge will re-establish itself over the region. That will bring a return of warmer air to the mountains and colder air to the valleys as a thermal inversion redevelops under this ridge. Temperatures will drop into the mid teens overnight at the summit level and into the single digits in the valleys. On Wednesday skies will be mostly sunny with highs rising into the mid 30s in the mountains and mid 20s in the valleys. Winds will be west at five to tem miles per hour. Dangerous unstable slabs up to three feet in depth lie upon persistent weak layers of faceted snow. As these slabs settle and strengthen the potential for humans to get out onto them and become a victim increases. Most avalanche fatalities occur when the general avalanche hazard is moderate or considerable. Instabilities associated with a dense slab on faceted snow are not only persistent but difficult to manage. Steep slopes could be crossed multiple times before a rider or skier crosses a sweet spot and triggers a killer avalanche. These conditions require respect and a conservative approach as consequences could be severe.On Wednesday the general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE at the mid and higher elevations (7,500 to 10,500 feet) and MODERATE at the lower elevations. Humans who venture into steep avalanche prone terrain could be seriously injured or killed.