Togwotee Pass

The avalanche danger is Moderate above 8,500 feet today. Weak layers buried 1-5 feet sit below large hard slabs. The likelihood of triggering a deep slab avalanche is on the low end of the scale. However, finding a thin spot in a slab or the added weight of a large group will be cases in which these avalanches are possible today. Consequences of being involved in an avalanche of this size are severe. Using good travel habits will help to minimize exposure to this problem. Travel across slopes one at a time, identify and use islands of safety and avoid stopping in runout zones. In the low elevations, below 8,500 feet, avalanches are unlikely and the danger there is Low.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Another mild and dry day is on tap for tomorrow. Overnight low temperatures will be in the high teens in the mountains and single digits in the valleys. Valley inversions will once again break up by tomorrow afternoon, with valley temperatures rising into the low thirties. Ridgetops will see a less dramatic change, albeit mild, with daytime highs reaching the low thirties. Winds will be out of the west at 15-20 mph. In line with the weather, the avalanche danger will remain the same. Terrain above 8,500 feet will have Moderate danger, where deeper weak layers lurk below hard slabs. It will be possible to move into terrain with this snowpack structure and not experience typical warning signs like whumpfing or shooting cracks. Large triggers such as a group or snowmobile or smaller triggers hitting thin spots will be the most likely scenarios for initiating an avalanche. Remember to practice good travel habits to minimize your exposure to deep slab avalanches. Ride or ski one at a time, utilize islands of safety and avoid stopping in runout zones. Avalanches will be unlikely in the lower elevations and the danger there will be Low.